Written off second-year Jet making 1 last push in training camp

Throughout the first two years of Darren Mougey's tenure as general manager of the New York Jets, he has become quite the popular figure thanks to some savvy trades and timely extensions.

The only thing you can really knock him for? His inaugural draft class in 2025. Despite nailing their first-round draft pick (Armand Membou) and fans having hope in the second-round draft pick (Mason Taylor), there weren't any other rookies who made an impact last season.

One of the more disappointing players was fourth-round draft pick Arian Smith, who, even at the time of his selection, was a bit of a head-scratcher. Most draft analysts figured he would be a later Day 3 pick, and New York ended up selecting him near the top.

The early reviews on Smith's second-ever training camp haven't exactly been great. There have still been some tough mistakes that were even caught on camera. But maybe we shouldn't write off the former Georgia standout just yet.

Arian Smith showing progress at latest New York Jets training camp practice

According to Jets X Factor's Robby Sabo, who is in attendance at Jets training camp, Smith was making some plays in WR-CB 1-on-1 drills, coming down with some balls where he was forced to make last-second adjustments.

"Arian Smith with a tremendous late adjustment grab near the sideline, low, QB delivered perfectly on-time at top of route. Arian then snags a high one across the middle when they pushed it up the field in the RZ, another late-adjustment-type reaction catch."

It's a positive development for a player who desperately needs one. Smith could be at the end of his rope with the Jets, despite being drafted just a little over a year ago.

The 110th overall pick was unable to produce on offense the way the team had hoped. In 16 games last season, Smith hauled in only seven receptions for 52 yards.

Smith's biggest contributions to the Jets last year were actually on special teams, when he was inserted as the team's gunner in punt coverage.

Chris Banjo, the Jets' special teams coordinator, expressed excitement in Smith's drive and urge to continue in his development back in May.

Whether that's on special teams or even as a contributor on offense, it seems the Jets' 2025 draft pick shouldn't be counted out just yet.

If he can continue to stack good days in camp and make some plays in preseason action, he may just end up making the final 53-man roster.

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