Hines Ward's Protege Tyson Shines at NFL Draft

0:00It's April 22nd. NFL news today starts now, AI powered and always on. Heinz Ward, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, is back in his hometown for the NFL draft, happening April 23rd through 25th. He's there as wide receivers coach for Arizona State, cheering on his protege Jordan Tyson, who's projected as a first round pick, maybe even 9th. Overall to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Mel Kuiper. Tyson blew up over the last two years at ASU with 136 catches, 1,812 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Sure, injuries like a broken collarbone and hamstring twig raised eyebrows, but Ward calls them flukes and points to Tyson's strong private workout. They had scouts buzzing. Ward couldn't be prouder, saying he washed Tyson grind daily through rehab. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham backs it up, calling him a competitor who challenges everyone, even to late-night chess and the perfect face for any franchise. Beyond Tyson, ASU's got a loaded class, offensive lineman Max Aheonakor,

1:04rising to late first round talk after killing it at the senior bowl, and Combine. Corner Keith Abney and Linebacker Keeshan Elliott round out Combine Invites, projected mid rounds, marking ASU's best draft haul since 2002. If Tyson and Aheonakor both go first round, it'd be ASU's first duo since 2001, potentially the highest picks since Terrell Suggs in two. 2003, eyes on Pittsburgh this week for Sun Devil Shining.