Fox Sports Gets Spicy for Vikings in Latest Mock Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is three months away, and if Fox Sports has it right, the Minnesota Vikings will onboard wide receiver Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State. The purple team certainly isn’t hurting at the position, but Tyson would add even more riches this offseason and provide a contingency plan for Jordan Addison, who’s allergic to trouble.
Fox Sports leaned into upside and contingency thinking, pairing Tyson’s traits with the Vikings’ apparent long-term need at WR.
Most mock drafts predict Minnesota selecting a defensive playmaker, making the Fox Sports edition a change of pace.
Would the Vikings Draft Jordyn Tyson if He’s There?
Would you be ready for another Round 1 WR for the Vikings?
Tyson to MIN Says Fox Sports
At pick No. 18, which the Vikings own because they won their final five games after starting the season with a 4-8 record, Fox Sports connected Tyson to Minnesota.
Fox Sports Research explained, “Tyson could easily go top 10 or 15 in this draft, depending on how badly teams want a receiver. While it might seem like a surprise for the Vikings to draft him, Jordan Addison is on the last year of his deal and will likely command a big contract given his production as the second option over the past three seasons.”
“Tyson is a big-bodied receiver at 6-2, 200 pounds, and he catches everything thrown at him. In two seasons with ASU, he’s caught 136 balls for 1,812 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns.”
The last time the Vikings drafted a Round 1 WR, his name was Jordan Addison, and that worked out somewhat well.
Tyson’s Bio and Scouting Report
Tyson spent four years at Colorado (2022) and Arizona State (2023-2025), compiling 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 23 total touchdowns. He also returned punts and kicks here and there as a freshman at Colorado. His speed is somewhere in the vicinity of 4.5, a mark that will be further vetted at the NFL Combine. He’s known for separation, route-running, and sticky hands. Weaknesses? Two major injuries in college: a knee in 2022 and a collar bone fracture in 2024.
NFL Draft Buzz on Tyson: “The film shows a receiver who consistently wins in the intermediate areas while maintaining some ability to take the top off defenses — a combination that translates perfectly to today’s passing-heavy NFL. Tyson thrives from both slot and boundary alignments, making him an ideal fit for modern offenses that prioritize pre-snap motion and positional flexibility.”
“Teams deploying heavy play-action concepts will particularly covet his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and stack defenders on vertical stems. His basketball background shows up repeatedly when watching his tape – the footwork, body control, and spatial awareness allow him to box out defenders and high-point balls in contested situations.”
Tyson is just 21 years old.
NBD continued, “If Tyson can stay healthy and build upon his remarkable 2024 season, we’re looking at a first-round selection come April 2026. His combination of route-running savvy, contested catch prowess, and competitive toughness will make him an immediate contributor with Pro Bowl upside by year two.”
“The medicals remain the lone significant question mark, but players this talented with this level of production against Power Five competition rarely slip past the first round regardless. Watching him dissect defenses with Sam Leavitt should be appointment viewing for draft enthusiasts this fall.”
Vikings WRs with Tyson
If one assumes that Jalen Nailor leaves this offseason — he’s a free agent who could command an impressive second contract on the open market — the Vikings WR corps would look like this in September if Fox Sports gets its way:
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Jordyn Tyson
- Tai Felton
- Myles Price
- Jeshaun Jones
- Donate Fleming
- Joaquin Davis
Vikings fans have a long history of embracing rookie wideouts right away — mainly because most of the Vikings’ versions turn out to be productive — and Tyson would not be the exception.
The Addison Quandary
Of course, Minnesota has more urgent needs than a wide receiver. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah arguably needs a cornerback (or two), safety, center, running back, inside linebacker, and defensive tackle this offseason. Tyson is a luxury item.
Still, Florida police arrested Addison one week ago for a bizarre trespassing incident, making it three arrests for the 23-year-old in 2.5 years. There’s a world where the Vikings tire of Addison’s skullduggery and plan for the future with a man like Tyson.
Hence, the Fox Sports idea.
Minnesota will likely have nine draft picks when the NFL finalizes compensatory selections. Tyson ranks No. 6 on the current Consensus Big Board, making a tumble to No. 18 unlikely.
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