Stop me if you\u2019ve heard this one: the Cowboys defense was bad in 2025.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a reason Christian Parker is in charge now. The defense was atrocious, and even after some active moves in free agency and the trade block, the Cowboys have holes. They have plenty of bodies at cornerback now, but lack any surefire starters. They could use another edge rusher too, and it\u2019s unclear who will fill the all-important nickel position. And, of course, linebacker is a massive question mark right now.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no surprise that mock drafts left and right have the team spending both first-round picks on defense. The likelihood is rather high that they\u2019ll do exactly that. And yet, there\u2019s one player who would absolutely be worth consideration if he\u2019s still there at one of their picks.<\/p>\n
The Arizona State wide receiver was once considered the consensus top wideout in this draft, and his play this past year only backed it up. However, an injury that cut his season short – and apparently seems to still be lingering – has Tyson slipping down draft boards.<\/p>\n
Originally committing to Colorado, Tyson was one of many players who fled Boulder in the wake of Deion Sanders\u2019 disappointing first year on the job. He landed at Arizona State, where he and quarterback Sam Leavitt formed a quick bond.<\/p>\n
In 2024, Tyson racked up 1,098 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 75 catches. He was 20th in the nation in yards after catch and seventh in yards per route run, putting him ahead of this past year\u2019s first-round rookies Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka.<\/p>\n
And while his 2025 season saw him play in just nine games, his game got better. Tyson finished with 711 yards and eight touchdowns on 61 catches, averaging more yards after catch per reception and only slightly less yards per route run (though with considerably more usage per game).<\/p>\n
At times, Tyson was the only receiver who could make plays for the Sun Devils, yet defenses struggled to take him out of the game; he had just two games with fewer than six catches, and one was the game in which he suffered his season-ening injury.<\/p>\n
When on the field, Tyson was unstoppable. His route running improved considerably this past season, and Tyson created separation at ease.<\/p>\n
However, he\u2019s more than just a slippery route runner. His verticality and body control have helped him become an adept jump-ball receiver, too. Across his two years with the Sun Devils, Tyson caught 55.3% of his contested catch targets. For context, George Pickens caught 56.4% of his contested catch targets this past year.<\/p>\n