Jets draft risk already looks like a potential mistake after Week 2 disaster

The New York Jets entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a glaring need at wide receiver. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the position was severely lacking in proven talent.

Understandably, general manager Darren Mougey used his first few picks to strengthen other areas of the roster. But when the time came to take a wideout in the fourth round, he made a decision that few expected.

Georgia product Arian Smith was expected by most experts to be a late Day 3 pick, but the Jets decided to take a chance on him in the fourth round. There were still other talented receivers on the board, but Mougey decided to call his shot.

Two weeks into Smith's rookie season, the pick is already drawing criticism.

The Jets could have drafted a different WR instead of Arian Smith

Early on, the Jets' rookie looked like a potential year-one contributor. He had a great summer, impressing coaches at training camp with his blazing speed and ability after the catch. But those skills haven't made an impact on the field so far this season.

Through two games, the receiver has negative scrimmage yards. Yes, you read that right. He has one catch for eight yards, but got tackled ten yards in the backfield on an end-around against the Buffalo Bills.

It takes time for rookies to adjust to the NFL game, but the early returns on Smith are concerning. It only looks worse when you consider the receivers that the Jets could have had instead.

When the pick was made, players like Elic Ayomanor and Tory Horton were still on the board. Both prospects were rated higher than Smith by most scouts, and both have had better starts to their NFL careers.

In Tennessee, Ayomanor is already emerging as one of Cam Ward's favorite targets. He even caught his first touchdown on an electric play this past weekend. He's made an impact both as a receiver and as a blocker, using his large frame to overpower defensive backs.

Horton scored in Week 2 as well, helping the Seattle Seahawks beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, the rookie has solidified himself as a regular part of Seattle's receiver group.

Smith could absolutely still develop into a solid contributor for the Jets' offense. Two games of struggles hardly make him a bust, and rookies often need time to grow into their roles. Still, it would be encouraging if this Jets offense had at least one young wide receiver making an immediate impact.

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