As New York Jets rookie wide receiver Arian Smith went through the pre-draft process, the former Georgia Bulldog carried some red flags for organizations around the league.
Despite leading the SEC champions in receiving, Smith struggled with drops (he had the highest drop rate in the conference) and also missed time with multiple injuries throughout his career.
Some draft analysts felt he would be a late-round selection, if he were to be drafted at all.
The Jets were not one of those teams.
New York took the speed demon with their fourth-round selection in April. The hope, in the team’s eyes, was that they could turn Smith’s struggles around.
Through the first few months of practices, Smith has done more than just limit those struggles – he has become one of the most productive rookies on the roster.
Jets’ Rookie Turning Heads
Smith’s breakout practice took place on Friday morning. The 23-year-old made multiple tough catches during practice.
His best play, though, came against two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner. The speedster caught a deep pass over Gardner on a route that highlighted Smith’s athleticism and ability to beat even the best corners in the game with his top-flight speed.
Even more impressive, though, was his reaction to the play a day later.
“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” Smith stated Saturday morning. “I don’t look at it as a big play. I feel like that’s my job.”
Throughout training camp, Smith’s drop concerns have quietly evaporated. He has looked as sure-handed as any receiver on the team.
That alone has gotten his new coaching staff to be thrilled with the work he has put in both on and off the field.
“I thought he did a really good job, and he’s continued to improve,” Glenn said. “He’s not where he needs to be, but he’s doing a really good job for us.
“I mean, obviously, you see the speed out there with that player, but the thing that shows up to me more than anything is his ability to catch in traffic and also his ability to understand exactly who he has to attack when it comes to blocking, and being pretty physical when it comes to that aspect.”
Smith credited his work in fixing his drop issues on strobe goggles that he uses for concentration after practice. The former Bulldog detailed his usual practice regime that usually has him staying after team period to work on catching the football consistently.
The Jets have an open competition at the starting receiver spot outside of their star in Garrett Wilson. While Smith has been an intriguing option in New York’s offense, he has also left an important mark on special teams.
He spent some time as a gunner for Georgia, and has even tried his hand as a returner throughout training camp.
It doesn’t matter the role. Smith just wants to make an impact on the team that saw something more than a late-round question mark.
Smith was the fifth rookie drafted by the Jets in the 2025 selection process. He was easily the most questioned pick by fans and media around the league.
He has quickly begun to prove those doubters wrong. With a few good preseason games, there could be a chance that Smith’s impact on the 2025 Jets will end up much bigger than anyone first thought.
