The Cleveland Browns had two obvious objectives entering the 2026 NFL Draft. They needed a left tackle to cap off their offensive line overhaul and at least one franchise-caliber wide receiver.
They were naturally linked to multiple prospects at both positions throughout the pre-draft process. That long list included Jordyn Tyson, whose brother, Jaylon, plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Besides the obvious local ties, some scouts thought he was the most talented wide receiver in a deep class.
However, as mesmerizing as his college tape may have been, his long history of injuries raised major red flags.
After this past week's news that he's expected to miss at least two months with a hamstring injury, we cannot help but validate the Browns' approach to Day 1 of the draft.
Jordyn Tyson's latest setback validates the Browns' draft approach
The Browns originally held the No. 6 overall pick, and Tyson's stock rose exponentially in the days leading up to the draft. He held a private workout and drew rave reviews after missing the scouting combine with — you guessed it — a hamstring issue.
Browns GM Andrew Berry could have taken Tyson with the No. 6 pick, knowing multiple teams were interested and he wouldn't be available later in the round. Instead, Berry worked the board, traded down three spots, and got his franchise left tackle in Spencer Fano at pick No. 9, just one pick after the New Orleans Saints selected Tyson.
In hindsight, it's safe to say that the Browns made the right call. It's not that Tyson can't still have a great career, but availability is the best ability, and he's struggled to stay on the field dating back to his college days.
Since 2022, Tyson has suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL, a fractured collarbone, a sprained ankle, and three separate hamstring injuries. Soft-tissue injuries are tricky and tend to linger, and the risk was just too big to ignore.
This, of course, isn't to take a victory lap on the Saints or to call out the many fans who wanted Tyson in Cleveland. Again, it's still early, but the early returns suggest that the Browns made the right call by playing the waiting game and pivoting to the next receivers on their board.
Ultimately, the football gods also gave Cleveland a hand by allowing Denzel Boston, another big-bodied "X" receiver, to fall right into their laps early in the second round. This team desperately needed to hit on a couple of offensive building blocks, and the future looks bright in Berea for the first time in a while.
As for Tyson, here's to a speedy recovery, and let's hope he has a great career and doesn't miss many games (except for when he has to play the Browns).
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