The Las Vegas Raiders are limping through a 2-5 season, dead last in the AFC West with a schedule that offers little relief. If Geno Smith is the long-term answer at quarterback—and the organization appears committed to finding out—the front office must surround him with elite playmakers. Enter Jordyn Tyson, the Arizona State wideout projected as the top receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft and a potential top-10 pick for Las Vegas.
Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft has the Raiders selecting Tyson seventh overall, addressing a receiver room on the brink of collapse. Jakobi Meyers is expected to hit free agency after the season (and has already requested a trade once), while rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton have combined for minimal production. Tyson, a 6’1”, 195-pound Colorado transfer, brings the complete package: three-level route-running, red-zone dominance, and explosive yards-after-catch ability.
“Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s completely blanketed,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote. “He wins on 50-50 balls, outmuscles defensive backs, and his 116 receiving yards after first contact rank inside the top 20 nationwide.”
Through seven games this season, Tyson has torched defenses for 628 yards and 8 touchdowns alongside quarterback Sam Leavitt, proving uncoverable in contested situations and a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
Why Tyson Fits the Raiders’ Timeline
- Immediate WR1 upside: Replaces Meyers’ production and leadership.
- Scheme versatility: Fluid separator with RAC explosiveness—perfect for Smith’s quick-strike style.
- Youth infusion: Pairs with Brock Bowers to form a dynamic duo for the next half-decade.
Even with Tyson in the fold, Las Vegas can’t stop at the draft. Veterans like Meyers and Tre Tucker have mentored the young receivers, with Bech praising their guidance:
“Jakobi has been awesome… You hear stories about vets who don’t help young guys. ‘Kob and Tre have been nothing short of awesome to me and Dont’e.”
The Raiders should target a proven veteran in free agency to bridge the gap while Tyson develops. But make no mistake: landing the 628-yard, 8-TD beast from Arizona State would signal the franchise’s commitment to giving Geno Smith the weapons he needs to silence doubters.
The 2026 draft can’t come soon enough.