Jets’ ‘Draft Reach’ Arian Smith Turning Heads — Rookie Speedster Emerging as OTA Star and Potential Game-Changer
When the New York Jets selected Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many around the league were quick to criticize the move. Smith’s undeniable speed was overshadowed, in the eyes of some scouts and analysts, by inconsistent hands and a limited collegiate résumé plagued by injuries. Despite these concerns, Jets GM Darren Mougey and offensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were confident in Smith’s upside — and early returns suggest they may have been right.
Smith joins a wide receiver room headlined by star Garrett Wilson, with veterans Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard expected to compete for the remaining top spots. However, with the pecking order beyond Wilson largely unsettled, the door is wide open for a breakout performance from an unexpected source — and Smith is already making his case.
At OTAs, Smith has reportedly flashed the same elite speed that made him a top deep threat at Georgia, while also showing improvements in route running and ball security. Though he only had one strong season in college, and questions remain about his ability to make plays over the middle, Smith’s explosiveness and work ethic have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.
What was initially labeled a reach by critics may soon look like a steal. If Smith can continue building on his early momentum, he could emerge as a dynamic weapon for the Jets — and a key piece in their effort to revamp the offense around quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
