New York Jets: Devin Smith’s debut is on the horizon

Thanks to the Media Relations Department of the New York Jets, we got some great news on Devin Smith‘s debut via head coach Todd Bowles‘ press conference.

On Devin Smith…

He’s full-go, he practiced today. He practiced full speed.

On if Smith will play Monday…

Too early to tell right now.

On wanted to see how Smith responds to getting banged up in practice…

No, I said he hadn’t been hit yet. I don’t want to see him get banged up. (laughing) I don’t want to see him get banged around. You have to feel comfortable with what he’s feeling on the inside. He’s running fine on the outside, but that’s just in a t-shirt. So, we’ll see how it gets when we get in pads and see how it goes day-to-day, but he’s got a lot to catch up on, too.

Jul 30, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (84) during first day of training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets may be 1-0 after the first week of the regular season, but their offense could use a bit more punch heading into a prime-time affair vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Smith throughout his collegiate career was known for his electric acceleration, game-breaking speed and his propensity for big-plays. His last season with the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to that as Smith averaged nearly 30 yards a reception.

Though he only tallied an underwhelming 33 receptions during his senior campaign he paired that with 12 touchdown catches. That gives Smith an unbelievable 36% touchdown rate; nearly one of every three catches went for scores last season. The Jets have lacked a home-run hitter at the receiver position for decades; probably the closest thing to that was Wesley Walker back in the 80’s for the Jets.

What is encouraging is the fact that Bowles said that from a health standpoint, Smith is a full-go. The only thing missing is of course the mental reps; missing an entire training camp for one of the hardest positions to transition to from the collegiate level to the professional level is going to be tough. Something that concerned Bowles also from Smith missing camp is getting acclimated to getting hit pad-on-pad. Which would be the only real reason Smith doesn’t make his debut on Monday night.

# changes now official for: @dsmithosu ➡️ 19 @DWalls2ND ➡️ 26 @ZSTACY_ ➡️ 30 pic.twitter.com/zZsgV3dLDK

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2015

Give us @dsmithosu back this week for @ESPNMondayNight http://t.co/jNd6A3Y50P pic.twitter.com/iGetKcz4vh

— Joe Caporoso (@TurnOnTheJets) September 16, 2015

Equipped with a new number, Smith will be looking to make these kinds of plays with the Jets. One of his most attractive traits coming out of the draft was his ability to track the deep ball which is an underrated attribute when looking at receivers coming out of college. I believe that Smith will end up playing Monday night making his professional debut for the Jets.

In a crowded receiving corps, Smith won’t have to be ‘the guy’ for the Jets, but as long as he can come in as that change of pace receiver and take the tops off of defenses he’ll provide the Jets with an invaluable offensive weapon. One that the Jets will inevitably need to win a close game at the end of the season.

Next: New York Jets: Terrelle Pryor brought in for a workout

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