Latest news with #ArianSmith
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Jets Carving New Role With 4th-Round Speedster
Jets Carving New Role With 4th-Round Speedster originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the New York Jets drafted Arian Smith with the fourth-round selection during the 2025 NFL Draft, some of the fan base recoiled. Advertisement Why? Despite leading Georgia in receiving categories last year, he also had one of the highest drop rates in college football. Add in a rough injury history, and many people thought New York reached for Smith. Through the first month of practices at the team facility, though, Smith has been anything but a reach. He has utilized his speed well, and also has made strong strides in catching the football. It is clear that the Jets may have something in the fourth-round project. And they are going to do everything they can to get him on the field as often as possible. Special-teams coordinator Chris Banjo explained exactly how. Advertisement Banjo, himself a former special-teams star, explained that the team was working Smith as a potential punt returner on Thursday. It is, physically, a fit. While Smith is not guaranteed a role in that regard, the fact that he has been willing to work in any capacity shows that the Jets drafted a player committed to the task at hand for the team. ... And someone who may have some hidden gifts that can make him a commodity for New York in 2025. Our bet? The Jets are going to carve out a role for Smith, almost no matter what. And the fact he has started to work on special teams is evidence of that and also shows that he's willing to do whatever he can to see the field. Related: Jets Fans Named Among Worst In NFL Related: Justin Fields Shines At Jets OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Instant analysis: New York Jets select Arian Smith at No. 110 in Round 4 at 2025 NFL draft
The New York Jets have addressed a position some believe was a need earlier on at the 2025 NFL draft with their fourth-round selection in Arian Smith. Smith, a wide receiver from Georgia, is heading to New York via the No. 110 overall pick. Advertisement In the third round on Friday, the Jets opted to select cornerback Azareye'h Thomas at No. 73. While a cornerback makes sense, the receiver position was much more of a need for New York but now it has been addressed via Smith. This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Instant analysis: Jets select Arian Smith at No. 110 at 2025 NFL draft
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bart Scott on how Mason Taylor will help Justin Fields and Jets offense
Armand Membou, Mason Taylor, and Arian Smith describe first day at Jets rookie camp New York Jets rookies Armand Membou, Mason Taylor, Arian Smith explain their experience in the organization so far. Membou jokes about not knowing how much money his rookie deal was until he signed his contract while Taylor says he heard from QB Justin Fields since being drafted. 23:23 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Exciting Rookie Displays Juice With 1 Major Problem
New York Jets rookie minicamp is underway, with Aaron Glenn's first look at the 2025 class impressing the first-time head coach. With all rookies now looking to impress the coaching staff and hope to make their way up the depth chart, this is a crucial period in evaluating their play. Advertisement For one rookie in particular, there are a lot of eyes on, and it is fourth-round receiver Arian Smith. Coming from the Georgia Bulldogs, where he had a whopping 10 drops last season, Smith knows that he simply has to fix that issue. And going by Glenn's words, he's off to a good start. "Arian has some juice, doesn't he? ... He can run and he's bouncy and he's a really good athlete," Glenn said. "And I thought the first day, he went out there and he was really focused on making sure that 'I see through the ball, and I make sure that I can bring it in.' I think he did a good job yesterday catching the ball." Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian SmithStephen Lew-Imagn Images Smith's blistering speed is what caught the Jets' eye, as it is a thing you simply can't coach, and defenses have to worry about it at all times. Advertisement But the drops? Yeah, that's a big issue. With Justin Fields looking to establish himself in the league as the starter for New York, he needs reliable weapons, and if Smith can't fix his drop issue, he isn't likely to see many targets from Fields this season. So yes, it is early, but Smith appears to be determined to show the Jets coaching staff he's doing everything he can to fix an issue that won't fly in the NFL. Related: Aaron Glenn Grades Jets After Rookie Camp Related: Jets Set Offseason Attendance Record
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Rookie WR Draws Pro Bowl Deep-Threat Comp at Camp
FLORHAM PARK -- It was apparent the moment Arian Smith caught his first pass of rookie minicamp for the New York Jets. The fourth-round pick out of Georgia caught just two passes during his first practice as a member of the Jets, but showed his blazing speed with both receptions. He caught both passes and sped up through the defense by over 10 yards before being touched by the nearest defender. Advertisement Speed kills in the NFL. It's the reason why the Jets took him as high as they did despite clear issues with durability and drops. There was once another receiver in league history who possessed similar speed to that of Smith, while also being somewhat undersized and dealt with drops early on his career. Pro Bowl deep threat DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Jackson is considered by many to be the greatest deep threat in league history, with more touchdowns from 60 yards out (26) than any other receiver in league history - even more than Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice. Advertisement While Smith consistently mentioned his goal to be his own player and didn't want to draw comparisons to any former legends, he did acknowledge that Jackson was a player he couldn't help but watch on tape. "One of my favorite players to catch the ball down the field is (DeSean) Jackson," Smith said. "I feel I can be as good as I want to be. As good as I work to be. If I put the work in, I'm going to be pretty good or good enough." Smith has made his point abundantly clear at this moment. He's not looking to be the next Jackson. He's looking to the best player he can be. It is the nature of NFL analysis, though, to draw comparisons to players who match each other in key parts of their game. For Smith and Jackson, it is their blazing speed. Advertisement Jackson may be retired from the game, but it didn't take long for Smith to show he could be the next speed demon in this league moving forward. And that would add a wrinkle to the Jets' offense that they haven't had in years. Related: Top 3 Takeaways From Glenn's Very 1st Jets Day 1 of Camp Related: Jets Trade With Eagles Landed 'Steal of the Draft'
