2026 NFL Draft Buzz: Bills eye Jordyn Tyson as Rams target mid-round draft steal

byDavid Johson •
0
Jordyn Tyson would be a great target for Josh Allen | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Heading into the offseason, the Buffalo Bills would have been thrilled at even the idea of landing Jordyn Tyson. Now, that scenario is very real. Due to a lengthy injury history, Tyson appears to be sliding down draft boards. In this week’s NFL Draft Buzz, we break down Tyson’s potential fit in Buffalo, the next possible gem for the Los Angeles Rams, and more.

Could Jordyn Tyson fall to the Bills

One player who could slide in the 2026 NFL Draft is Jordyn Tyson.

The main reason is his lengthy injury history, including a hamstring issue this past season that limited him to nine games and has kept him from working out for scouts during the pre-draft process. Pair that with a crowded wide receiver class featuring several mid-first-round talents like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Omar Cooper Jr., and there is a real chance Tyson is still available when the Buffalo Bills are on the clock at No. 26.

If Tyson does fall to Buffalo, they should not overthink it. He would immediately step in as a high-end option alongside D.J. Moore, who the team added earlier this offseason. Tyson would be an upgrade over the rest of the receiver room, including last year’s leading receiver Khalil Shakir and 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman.

On the field, Tyson’s game translates. He is dangerous after the catch thanks to his agility and ability to change direction instantly. He is also a polished route runner who consistently creates separation, even when defenses key in on him. On top of that, he has reliable hands, with just one drop this past season, and the strength to win in contested situations.

Bottom line: if Buffalo walks away with both Moore and Tyson, the receiver group flips from a weakness to a legitimate strength overnight.

The next Rams draft find

While the Los Angeles Rams appear comfortable with Coleman Shelton as their starting center heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a real chance they address the position on Day 2. Shelton struggled in pass protection last season, allowing 24 pressures, and depth could become an issue with Steve Avila potentially hitting free agency after next year.

One ideal target would be Logan Jones. Coming out of Iowa Hawkeyes system, Jones already has experience in a scheme similar to what the Rams run. This past season, he won the Rimington Trophy, given to the top center in college football, and allowed just three pressures all year. His 84.0 PFF grade led all centers, and he was the only player at the position to finish top five as both a pass blocker (second) and run blocker (third).

From a traits standpoint, he checks the boxes for LA’s zone-heavy system. Jones brings strong mobility, highlighted by a 4.90-second 40-yard dash, and consistently reaches the second level as a blocker. He is also technically sound, which has become a trademark of Iowa offensive linemen. Despite being slightly undersized at 6-foot-3, 299 pounds, he plays with noticeable strength and leverage.

If the Rams can land Jones in the third round, it would fit their track record of hitting on mid-round talent. Recent examples include Kyren Williams (5th round, 2022), Puka Nacua (5th round, 2023), and Kobie Turner (3rd round, 2023). Jones has the profile to be the next name on that list.

FCS defensive standout to watch

The 2026 NFL Draft features a pair of intriguing FCS prospects who could hear their names called on Day Two. One is Bryce Lance, who has already been covered in depth. The other is Charles Demmings, a standout defensive back from Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks.

Demmings has been a shutdown corner over the past three seasons, holding opposing quarterbacks to under a 50 percent completion rate when targeting him. This past year, the FCS First-Team All-American allowed just a 39.8 passer rating, according to PFF, and recorded a career-high four interceptions. He backed that up with strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine.

Projecting to the next level, the upside is obvious. At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Demmings brings ideal size and athleticism, highlighted by a 4.41 forty-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical. He excels in press coverage, showing the ability to stay in phase off the line while using his hands effectively to disrupt receivers early. He is also a reliable tackler, missing just one tackle all season.

That said, there are reasons to keep his grade in the third-round range. The level of competition is a legitimate question, and adding more strength would help him become more consistent in press situations. Still, the tools are there, and in the right system, he could outperform that draft slot.

One logical landing spot is the Minnesota Vikings. Demmings’ skill set aligns well with what Brian Flores looks for defensively, making him a natural schematic fit.

Chargers must upgrade left guard spot

One of the most pressing needs for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 NFL Draft is the left guard position. The team needs to improve on current starter Trevor Penning, whom they acquired via trade last season for a sixth-round pick. His struggles have continued, as he posted just a 36.1 PFF pass-blocking grade in limited action.

A clear upgrade would be Emmanuel Pregnon, who should be available when the Chargers are on the clock at No. 22 overall. There is even a scenario where they trade down a few spots and still land him, depending on how the board falls.

Emmanuel Pregnon
Emmanuel Pregnon would be a natural fit with the Chargers | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Pregnon stands out primarily for his pass protection. At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, he combines size and strength to anchor effectively, making him extremely difficult to bull-rush. That showed up in production, as he allowed just five pressures all season. The First-Team All-Big Ten selection is also a powerful run blocker, making him a natural fit in the Chargers' power running game.

Bottom line, Pregnon would be an immediate and significant upgrade over Penning and would justify the 22nd overall pick.

Late round sleeper

A player who will likely be a late-round pick or signed as an undrafted free agent is Kapena Gushiken. That said, he has the physical tools to stick on a roster and contribute on Sundays.

Those tools start with elite speed, as he ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. That speed shows up on tape, giving him the quickness to stay with slot receivers. Another major plus is his versatility. The Ole Miss Rebels defensive back can line up as a nickel corner or free safety at the next level. He also brings value on special teams, where he logged significant snaps across multiple units during his six-year college career.

So why is he projected to fall in the 2026 NFL Draft? Size is the biggest concern. At 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds with sub-30-inch arms, he does not fit the ideal physical profile. He is also an older prospect, who will be a 24-year-old rookie. On top of that, he lacks top-end strength and tends to be more of a drag-down tackler rather than a true physical presence.

At the next level, Gushiken’s path to sticking on a roster will come through special teams, while providing depth at free safety. One possible landing spot for Gushiken is the Cincinnati Bengals who have brought him in for a visit.

Previous Post Next Post