There are always several NFL draft prospects who fall in the selection process for a myriad of reasons. Injuries and off-field questions can cause top prospects to wait a bit longer than anticipated to hear their name called. Sometimes, it happens by no fault of their own.

That will be no different in the 2026 draft, especially for many players with ties to the New York Jets.

Gang Green owns four picks in the first 50 overall selections. One of the many needs they must address is a clear hole at wide receiver. New York needs a stable running mate with Garrett Wilson to improve what was the worst passing offense in football last season.

Many receiver prospects have heard their names tied to the organization in recent weeks. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are among the names New York will consider.

In the case of Tyson, though, while the talent level remains as strong as ever, his red flags may have him drop even more than anyone could have thought.

Tyson’s draft status

In four seasons at Arizona State, Tyson recorded 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns. His issue, however, was a rash of injuries that kept him from reaching his full potential.

And that has reportedly left scouts very nervous.

“One player trending in the wrong direction leading up to the draft is Arizona State receiver (Jordyn) Tyson,” ESPN’s Matt Miller said Tuesday. “In reviewing my grades with a handful of scouts, many remarked that Tyson’s hamstring injury and lack of predraft workouts could cause him to slide to the back half of the first round. Three scouts told me that Tyson ranks as the No. 4 receiver on their internal boards.”

NFL Network’s own Daniel Jeremiah also had a surprising media session with Mina Kimes talking about the lack of effort and concerning character decisions made by the young receiver.

Several scouts believe Tyson’s stock is plummeting so much that his talent level won’t be enough to guarantee him a top-20 selection in a couple of weeks.

While that may obviously be seen as a bad thing for the player, it could be good news for the Jets, especially if they let the board fall to them.

How Jets can capitalize

For the sake of this exercise, let’s assume that Tyson falls to the Jets at No. 16 in the draft.

What happens if Gang Green wants to take the flyer on Tyson, but just not when they pick at No. 16?

That’s where New York could come in as a true winner of these draft rumors. A potential trade down from their second first-round pick to acquire even more future draft selections would not only help the Jets in the future but also give them the excuse to take Tyson as well.

In this hypothetical, the Jets would let the board fall to them and be willing to trade down in order to get a receiver with top-tier upside but serious questions.

There have been plenty of top receivers with character and/or injury questions who fell in the draft and went on to have great careers. Could Tyson be the next?