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[New York Jets]

Scouting Jets rookie wide receiver Arian Smith

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Taking a look at the Jets rookie wide receiver

The Jets drafted former Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Today we break Smith down in detail.

The 23-year old Smith is listed at 6’0” and 179 pounds. He caught 68 passes for 1,356 yards and 10 touchdowns in five years with the Georgia Bulldogs. Having entered the 2024 season with just 20 career catches he had a breakout season last year and led the team in receiving yards.

Background

Smith was a four-star high school recruit and track and field sensation who headed to Georgia in 2019 but redshirted his first season.

Over the next three seasons, he didn’t play much, catching just 12 passes in 19 games. However, he showed big play capabilities with four touchdowns and an average of 32.2 yards per catch. He also broke out in the playoffs as he had 129 yards and a touchdown in the Peach Bowl at the end of the 2022 season.

In 2023, he made the first two starts of his career but still didn’t produce much as he had eight catches for 153 yards and two scores in an offense that also featured Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers.

However, he was featured much more in 2024 and had a breakout season with three 100-yard games. He ended up with a team-high 817 yards on 48 receptions, with four touchdowns.

Smith was invited to the Senior Bowl and the NFL scouting combine but was considered a probable late round pick. The Jets selected him in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick.

Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Smith brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.

Measurables/Athleticism

Smith doesn’t have particularly good size or a big catch radius and he has small hands. He could probably do with adding some bulk to his frame.

One thing that can’t be questioned is his speed. His 40-yard dash at the combine was a 4.36 and it speaks volumes that this was regarded by some as disappointing. As a decorated track athlete, he once ran 10.1 in the 100 meters and competed in college until 2023 before giving it up to focus on football. The speed and burst shows up on film too.

At the combine, Smith didn’t participate in the bench press but posted excellent explosiveness and agility numbers.

Usage

Smith has primarily played on the outside, as he was in the slot less than 25 percent of the time in his career. He did catch 11 passes from the slot last season, but averaged just 10 yards per catch - less than half what he did on the outside.

In addition to his pass catching, Smith has also been used to good effect on jet sweeps and end arounds. He carried eight times for 93 yards in college.

In high school, he also played as a quarterback, running back and defensive back.

Deep threat

Smith was a big downfield threat in college. As noted, he averaged over 30 yards per catch in his first three seasons and still averaged over 19 per catch in his fourth and fifth seasons as his role increased.

He can get behind the defense with pure speed, especially when he gets a clean release. Ultimately, his deep ball numbers probably should have been better than they were had he not had to constantly slow up to catch underthrown deep balls.

Smith’s speed can cause genuine panic in defensive players whether they are playing up on him at the line or in off coverage.

He isn’t just a downfield threat on go routes, because he can also use his speed to get behind the defense on deep over routes.

Hands

As you’ve probably heard, the major concern with Smith is how unreliable his hands are. He dropped 10 passes last season on 72 targets.

If anything, those drop numbers are not that bad. If he just caught a few more of those, then he’d have a 10 percent drop rate, which is higher than you’d like, but not a major concern. He also had just three drops in 40 targets prior to last season.

Let’s be clear about this, though. Those numbers undersell how shaky his hands are. He rarely looks comfortable catching the ball, often bobbling or body-catching it, and had a number of plays that weren’t counted as drops but could still be characterized as catchable. In addition, a lot of the drops he had were really bad, either going right through or bouncing off his hands.

While a lot of receivers with high drop counts could put this down to focus or confidence, Smith’s bigger issue is a technical one. He is ineffective at scooping up low catches and keeps his hands too far apart when reaching beyond his frame. That’s arguably good news because if he gets some good coaching and works as hard at perfecting this aspect as he has at other parts of his game, then it’s almost certainly fixable. Perhaps he’ll never be a natural hands catcher, but the Jets will be hopeful he can at least become reliable enough to mitigate the mistakes as much as possible.

There are a few positive signs to lean on. First of all, even with all the drops, Smith had a solid 67 percent catch rate last year. That’s especially impressive for someone who is a downfield threat so are getting more low percentage targets. (It’s also fair to note that approximately one-third of his targets were screen passes though).

In addition, he also showed that he’s been working on his consistency during the pre-draft process. At the scouting combine, his gauntlet drill was flawless, with a hands catch on every throw. He also reportedly caught the ball well all week at the Senior Bowl.

Routes

A further concern could be that Smith is just a one-trick pony and it’s fair to note that a high proportion of his production came on either deep balls or short passes rather than on a wide variety of different routes. However, some of the things he has shown as a route runner are encouraging.

You can tell he’s been working hard on his technique from his smooth footwork as he releases off the line and how he sets up his breaks.

His speed is such a weapon that it opens up a lot of other ways from him to get open. Nobody can stay with him on a crossing route and backpedaling defensive players have to give him extra room, which he has started to take advantage of by becoming more adept at breaking down or changing direction.

Red zone

You couldn’t really consider Smith as a red zone threat despite him scoring 10 touchdowns on his 68 career catches. That’s because those 10 touchdowns averaged 36.5 yards in length.

He did have three red zone touchdowns, though, with one at the back of the end zone and two on tunnel screens. Coincidentally, all three came from the 12-yard line.

He was also targeted unsuccessfully in the red zone multiple times.

After the catch

With his incredible speed, Smith is obviously a threat to turn any play into a huge gain. He’s also been a big weapon on short passes.

Smith tends to run away from defenders rather than breaking tackles, but can throw a juke move here and there, and often creates yards after contact at the end of a run purely by having built up so much momentum.

He fumbled once during his career, but immediately fell on it himself.

Blocking

Blocking is an underrated part of Smith’s game and an area where he stands out from time to time. His run blocking grades on analysis sites such as Pro Football Focus have been average to good.

His effort in this area really stands out, as he hustles to his spot, battles for leverage and works his angles well. His discipline was also good as he didn’t have any holding penalties in his career.

Physicality

Although he’s clearly at his best in space Smith shows adequate physicality when carrying the ball, blocking and running routes.

One area where he could be better is on contested catches, although he did come down with a couple in traffic last season.

Last season, Smith was called for offensive pass interference three times which is perhaps a sign that he was being more competitive at the catch-point, although he obviously got flagged for pushing off. Two of these penalties negated 40-yard catches.

Special Teams

Smith saw action as a primary punt gunner over the past two seasons and that unit had good results as they only gave up 23 yards in 28 games. However, much of that was a product of the fact that the Bulldogs offense was efficient so they didn’t punt much.

Although he obviously did a solid job, Smith was only credited with one tackle, on this play.

In addition to being a punt gunner, Smith also played as a vice on the punt return unit. He missed one tackle and had a special teams penalty in 2023 but he has no return game experience.

Instincts and Intelligence

Smith has shown some ability to find the soft spots in coverage or improvise and find an open area when a play gets extended.

Perhaps the most obvious place where his instincts shine are as a ball carrier, though, as he shows natural vision and patience.

Smith also showed good awareness on two plays where his teammates fumbled and he came out of nowhere to recover it and save the possession.

However, there was one play where he ran a slant instead of stopping for a screen pass, leading to an interception.

Smith also had two false starts last season.

Attitude

Smith is an even-keeled character who describes himself as tough, both physically and mentally. He is constantly working hard to improve with Georgia’s offensive coordinator Mike Bobo having described him as the hardest worker on the team.

He is a film junkie, who has noted that watching film on DeSean Jackson helped him get better at tracking deep balls and watching Jerry Rice helped him learn how to make his route breaks more effectively.

His on-field discipline was solid too, with just five offensive penalties in his career. All were in 2024, though.

Injuries

Injuries are a big part of the reason why Smith didn’t see the field much until 2024. At the start of his career, he broke his wrist landing in the long jump pit before ever playing in a game.

He suffered a torn meniscus and broken right fibula in 2021 and then, ahead of the 2022 season, suffered a high ankle sprain in preseason and missed the first four games. He then had an ankle fracture at the end of the year that required offseason surgery.

He has also been listed with toe and hip injuries.

Scheme Fit

The conclusion many people will jump to is that Smith is being brought in as a deep threat specialist, but having watched how he generated his production last season, it seems just as likely they see a multi-faceted role as being the best way to unlock his potential.

Smith was a teammate of current Jets edge defender Jermaine Johnson at Georgia in 2021.

Conclusions

A simplistic view of Smith’s potential, and the basis of the ongoing debate among Jets fans so far would be to weigh up the obvious positives he brings in terms of his speed against the negative factor of his unreliable hands. Both are as advertised, but there’s much more to this player.

There are two other areas of concern: His injury history and his late breakout. However, given that the injury history was a major factor in him not breaking out sooner, these two issues are somewhat intertwined.

Smith is 23 and, until the start of last season, had just 20 catches in his career. However, any suggestion that this was merely a case of a 22-year old beating up on guys barely out of high school can be tempered by the fact that he was productive against the bigger teams with 100-yard games against Ohio State and Alabama and 11 catches in two games against Texas.

There are also a lot of positives other than his speed to offset against these concerns. His route running is better than advertised, he creates good yardage with the ball in his hands and he has an excellent attitude that produced results last year as he showed improvements in a number of areas.

Watching Smith’s film is reminiscent of former Jets receiver Robbie Chosen (formerly Robbie Anderson). Throughout his entire career, teammates and some analysts suggested that Anderson was capable of doing more than just running go routes and having bad quarterbacks throw him low percentage downfield passes. Sure enough, as soon as he went to Carolina and they featured him in the short-intermediate game as well, he broke out with a 100+ catch season. The Jets may view Smith as someone who could do the same.

In conclusion, it’s a worthwhile gamble and very difficult to project how his career will play out. All outcomes from elite to bust are on the table but there is a lot to like here and you can see why the Jets were impressed with this player’s potential.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ew-york-jets-rookie-wide-receiver-arian-smith

 

[New York Jets]

What’s Next for the Jets? A Deep Dive Into the 2025 Rookie Class and Their Assignments

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Here’s what to expect in year one.

The NFL Draft is in our rearview mirror. Let’s project what we can expect from the Jets rookie class of 2025.

Armand Membou; Projected Role: Starting RT

The most glaring need the Jets had entering the NFL Draft was right tackle. Unlike most of the last decade, the Jets entered the offseason with 80 percent of their offensive line set. The right tackle spot was the one question mark. In picking Membou, the Jets completed their offensive line. More than that, four of the five starters will be 26 or younger entering the season.

Membou is almost certain to immediately fill a starting job. The only way he could fall out of the role would be if he showed an enormous struggle adjusting to the speed of the pro game in training camp.

The selection of Membou has a bit of a multiplier effect. It pushes Chukwuma Okorafor to the bench. It’s difficult to imagine Okorafor handling the starting right tackle job. It isn’t outrageous to think that he might be a decent third tackle, though, which is his new role.

Mason Taylor; Projected Role: TE1

In an ideal world, a somewhat raw talent like Taylor could start off as a second or even third tight end. He could learn by collecting limited low pressure snaps and work towards taking over a starting job in year two.

Because the Jets had zero quality at the position prior to the Draft, Taylor is going to be pressed into a prominent role right off the bat. He’s still a bit of a work in progress so it would be wise to keep expectations in check. If he progresses quickly, we can view it as a pleasant surprise.

The big snap count he will get could help his development speed up if you can live through the early days where he might struggle a bit.

Azareye’h Thomas; Projected Role: CB4 and Developmental Future Starter

With Sauce Gardner manning one outside corner slot and the Jets giving Brandon Stephens decent money to take the other, Thomas doesn’t have a path to starting on day one. That isn’t the worst thing in the world. He is another player who has some development to do. The Jets can work with him on the practice field. He will serve as a backup. I’m sure they picked him 73rd overall because they think he has potential, though.

Arian Smith; Projected Role: Offensive Weapon ™ and Gunner on Punt Coverage

Shortly after the team selected him, the Jets leaked to the media that they selected Smith with a role in mind for him. While the group of wide receivers the Jets have behind Garrett Wilson is underwhelming, there are enough veterans around to likely keep the developing Smith from seeing major playing time. The Jets will likely manufacture touches in space for Smith trying to capitalize on his speed. He will also probably see the occasional vertical route when giving a starter some rest. Smith also received high marks for his work in punt coverage so he could end up carving out a role there.

Malachi Moore: Possible Camp Competitor at S

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Moore get a shot at a starting job in training camp. Andre Cisco is likely locked into one starting role, but Tony Adams’ resume probably won’t guarantee him a starting job. He was the project of the last coaching staff, and his benching was ordered by the team owner last year. Moore’s versatility puts him in the mix for a third safety role in big nickel and dime packages should he not end up starting.

Francisco Mauigoa; Projected Role: Possible LB3

At linebacker the Jets have a good starting duo in Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams, but there isn’t much depth. It isn’t that hard to imagine the instinctual Mauigoa carving out a role as the top backup at the position. The Jets’ coaching staff probably likes him enough to give him a shot to earn the role.

Tyler Baron; Projected Role: Rotational DE

Baron strikes me as a prospect with somewhat limited upside. He will likely be in the mix with guys like Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor, Eric Watts, and others to get backup snaps behind Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...o-the-2025-rookie-class-and-their-assignments

 

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 05/09/25

Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images

Bringing your daily links to the NFL’s New York Jets

Good morning Gang Green Nation! The New York Jets begin their rookie mini-camp today. Leading into that, the Jets signed five of their seven selections in the 2025 NFL draft, and they released three back of the roster players to free up enough roster spots to welcome their undrafted free agent signings. The signings of five draft picks, including first round pick Armand Membou, signals a clear break from the practices of the Joe Douglas regime. Under Douglas many draft choices would not sign before June, and almost every year at least one pick would still be unsigned in late July, right before training camp begins. It’s not necessarily a high impact kind of change, but it is a refreshing thing to not be concerned whether your prized rookies will show up for the first day of training camp or not.

Here are your links to your New York Jets this glorious Friday in May:

Eric Allen - Jets Sign Missouri OT Armand Membou to Rookie Contract

Jack Bell - Jets Sign Florida State CB Azareye'h Thomas to Rookie Contract

Caroline Hendershot - Jets Sign Miami LB Francisco Mauigoa to Rookie Contract

Ethan Greenberg - Jets Sign Miami LB Tyler Baron to Rookie Contract

Randy Lange - Jets Release Three First-Year Players

Randy Lange - Inside the Numbers on Jets Draft Picks - Arian Smith, Malachi Moore, Francisco Mauigoa & Tyler Baron

ESPN - Biggest postdraft roster holes for all 32 NFL teams

Connor Hughes - Jets position-by-position breakdown entering rookie minicamp

Nikhil Mehta - Jets Sign First-Round T Armand Membou, Four Other Draftees

Joe Simile - New York Jets Trade With Philadelphia Eagles Landed Steal of the Draft

Adam Schultz - New York Jets QB Tyrod Taylor Announces His Good-News Justin Fields Plan

Billy Heyen - Jets need replacement QB for Justin Fields, says ESPN insider

Nick Wojton - Jets' first-round rookie Armand Membou: 'Whatever they need me to do'

Nick Wojton - Jets' Aaron Glenn brushes aside concerns with Azareye'h Thomas pick:

Glenn Naughton - Jets Release Three Players Ahead of Rookie Camp

Glenn Naughton - Jets Getting Rookie Deals Wrapped up Ahead of Mini-Camp

Mike Luciano - NFL scout sees shades of Hall of Famer in Jets rookie Armand Membou

Mike Luciano - George Pickens whiff could push Jets toward signing ex-rival WR

Mike Luciano - Jets should act fast after Panthers make shocking Jadeveon Clowney decision

Mike Luciano - Steelers might land obvious Jets WR if Aaron Rodgers has his way

Alexander Wilson - Why this move could signal the Jets aren’t confident in their secondary

Alexander Wilson - Jets rookie playmaker has a ‘superpower’ — and he's ready to put it on display

Mike Gianakos - Tyrod Taylor opens up on 'support' role behind Justin Fields

Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Enjoy the day everybody.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...n-taylor-tyler-baron-arian-smith-tyrod-taylor