Jordyn Tyson was the prized acquisition of the New Orleans Saints offseason, and the top-10 pick has a real chance of etching his name in the team record books in Year 1. Michael Thomas holds the record for most receiving yards by a rookie with 1137 yards, and it’s been questioned if Tyson could surpass it. It genuinely feels like a toss up.Â
We’ve seen the Saints’ rookie passing yards record broken each of the last two seasons, but this is nothing like that. The bar was very low, and that’s why Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler were able to break it in an abbreviated season.Â
That is not the case for Tyson. Thomas set the bar high enough to where Tyson will likely need at least 16 games to surpass it. Even then, it’s no guarantee.Â
But but but won’t Chris Olave keep Jordyn Tyson from breaking the record
As much as Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson will open up opportunities for each other, there will also be a likely cap on targets. The duo is typically discussed with the former in mind because it’s how they’ll impact team. When predicting if Tyson can have a record breaking season, it’s natural to point to Olave as an obstacle to that.Â
Not so fast my friend. There’s two major things to remember when it comes to Tyson breaking Thomas’ record. 1. Tyson could be the Saints leading receiver. 2. Michael Thomas wasn’t when he broke the record.Â
Tyson being the leading receiver on the team wouldn't be a complete shocker, though it isn't expected. However, most importantly, he doesn't need to be the top dog to get the record.
Thomas had a quick ascension and spent much of his career needing help in the room next to him, but he was a compliment to Brandin Cooks when he was first drafted. Cooks had 1173 yards in Thomas' rookie season. It's possible for the Saints to once again have two receivers with 1100 yard seasons.
That gives room for Tyson and Olave to excel without diving into the pecking orer right now. What matters is Tyson passing Thomas is completely viable. We've taken a look at Tyson's celing as the lead receiver as well as any obstacle that could arise.
To further drive the point home, Willie Snead had nearly 900 yards that same season. The Saints top three receivers accounted for 3000 yards. It may be hard for Devaughn Vele to reach those heights, so there's even more of a chance to get Tyson involved.
Thomas' 1173 receiving yards is tough bar to set. Olave didn't do it until this past year. If Tyson does take the crown, it'll serve as proof the Saints made the right call picking him eighth overall in the NFL Draft.
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