Arian Smith is flipping the narrative with early Jets camp breakout

Fourth-round rookie Arian Smith is fresh off his best day of training camp, and the rest of the league might want to take notice. The former Georgia speedster connected on multiple big plays with both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor on Friday.

He even gave highly-regarded Jets rookie Azareye'h Thomas a bit of trouble in practice. In just one season as a full-time starter in Athens, Smith led the Bulldogs with 817 receiving yards, but also led the team with 10 drops.

However, he ran a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and that was enough for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey to select him with the No. 110 pick in April’s draft despite his limited route tree and injury history.

The track speed has been difficult to guard in training camp, and it is part of why he’s impressed coaches as he pushes for a meaningful role in his rookie campaign.

"The guy that can’t catch, what you guys say. I thought he did a really good job, and he’s continuing to improve. He’s not where he needs to be, but he’s doing a really good job for us. Obviously you see the speed but what shows up to me more than anything is his ability to catch in traffic."

Aaron Glenn

Glenn also pointed to the two-time national champion’s attack mindset in the blocking game, with Glenn calling him “pretty physical” in that area.

That last part is what could transform Smith from a deep threat into a legitimate weapon in New York. The speed is often what jumps out at you in the tape, but the fact he’s growing into a more complete wideout should send a message to the rest of the NFL. 

He averaged nearly 20 yards per catch at Georgia, but it’s clear that ceiling is only growing.

Arian Smith’s big day means he could have a real role in the Jets offense

The biggest thing in Smith’s favor is that Gang Green has been desperately craving a vertical element in their offense alongside Garrett Wilson. Besides the ex-Ohio State standout and Breece Hall, the group of weapons in Florham Park doesn’t include many world-beaters. And wide receiver is one of the biggest needs on New York’s roster.

Wilson is the clear No. 1 option in the receiving room, but the rest of the pecking order on the depth chart is up for grabs. Malachi Corley is on the roster bubble, expected WR2 Josh Reynolds recorded just 13 receptions in 2024, and Tyler Johnson has bounced around the NFL.

That leaves plenty of space for the Florida native to break through if he continues stacking practices like the one he just had. The hands are still a question mark, but if he can clean that up while continuing to impress with his speed and physicality, it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s a full-time starter for the Jets.

For more NY Jets news and analysis: