Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson celebrates a touchdown.
The Washington Commanders will take the field with a new offensive coordinator calling the plays. One analyst believes that the team should draft a weapon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes that Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson would be the smartest move.
“??Deebo Samuel?? is ticketed for free agency this offseason, and if the veteran receiver leaves, this silky-smooth pass catcher would be a sensible selection for the Commanders. Tyson is a route-running specialist who gives off ??Jaxon Smith-Njigba?? vibes on the perimeter. ”
The redshirt junior leaves Tempe with a two-year stay in the desert that resulted in a Big 12 conference title and a College Football Playoff bid. On the field, the six-foot-two, 200-pound wideout grabbed 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career as a Sun Devil and before that, at Colorado.
Jordyn Tyson is one of the best route runners in the 2026 WR class. 😮💨
Sudden, nuanced, and ALWAYS open.
Wins with tempo, footwork, and feel more than raw athleticism.
Can line up anywhere and run the full route tree.
Durability is the big question mark, but if the medical… pic.twitter.com/utj0iIBtOz
— Andrew Mott (@Andrew2True) January 21, 2026
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Commanders’ Potential Draft Pick Could Add Explosion and Balance to Offense
On film, Tyson displays the traits that Washington could use at wideout. From the snap, you see a player who can win with quickness, defeating the jam with jab steps and shoulder fakes. Next, the Sun Devil traces clean routes with controlled athleticism. Meaning, he does not look eager in his routes by overcorrecting or taking false steps. Instead, he smoothly transitions between making the catch and heading upfield.
While Tyson averaged 14.4 yards per catch during his career, he is not the typical burner receiver. That is to say, he will not streak downfield on a consistent go pattern. According to Pro Football Sports Network, Tyson ranked No. 23 in their CFB WR Impact Rankings. The metric formulates the catches, yards, and touchdowns, along with the efficiency of the data.
For example, one of Tyson’s best games in 2025 was a ten-catch, 105-yard effort against Texas Tech. Despite TTU’s pass rush, Tyson displayed the ability to break off his route if his quarterback was in danger.
Tyson’s Drafting Could Solve Pressing Issue
With the veteran Samuel heading to free agency, the Commanders need a bookend on the outside to complement Terry McLaurin. While the outside position appears to be Tyson’s primary focus, he does have significant experience in the slot. According to Pro Football Focus, the former ASU standout took 134 of 557 snaps in the slot. Working underneath also grants McLaurin the ability to make the downfield contested catch in single coverage.
According to Spotrac, Samuel’s market value is $13.3 million. Last season, he saw just 35 targets over ten yards. Meanwhile, the other 64 targets occurred within 10 yards. Underneath routes work, but too many draw the defense in and clog up potential rush lanes and tight ends leaking out after b
Slough’s Offensive Revamping Needs Upgrade
New offensive coordinator David Blough witnessed the struggles of a passing offense that ranked near the bottom in attempts, yards, and touchdowns last year. Under those circumstances, the need for another outside threat could take priority. Quarterback Jayden Daniels owns a strong connection to McLaurin.
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels stands in teh pocket against teh Seattle Seahawks during November 2, 2025 game.
Now, in order for the Commanders to succeed, he will need to expand the trust circle to include new players. Washington wants to run the ball. However, without proper spacing, they cannot execute their offense with so many defenders creeping underneath.
GettyWashington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during a December 20, 2025 game.
Provided Tyson’s medical history checks out, Washington may make the move they consider the next step in their franchise’s evolution.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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