Reporting from Florham Park, NJ—It’s too early to tell how good of a rookie season New York Jets fourth-rounder Arian Smith will have. Much of his success comes from his blazing speed, which is something that can shine during OTAs.
It is clear, though, that the Jets may have something in the Georgia product. He has consistently gotten open during practices open to the media, and has looked far better at catching the football than in college.
Perhaps that is why New York is seemingly ready to give Smith even more responsibilities than normal for a fourth-round pick.
Jets Preparing Smith For Larger Role
Despite his problems staying healthy and catching the football, Smith led the Bulldogs in receiving yards in 2024. But he never returned kicks in college during his time with a National Title contender like Georgia.
That 4.36 forty time is hard to contain in any area of the game, though. Perhaps it is why Jets special teams coordinator Chris Banjo is excited to see what Smith can do as a return specialist and special teams player this season, despite the lack of experience on the player’s part.
“Some guys, people don’t even know they have returner capabilities,” Banjo said. “We were fortunate enough to draft Arian (Smith) and he’s been able to flash some things, some very, very good things.
“I know people talk about his hands in the past, but he’s honestly shown us some great things here early on.”
Banjo’s comments echo what Smith has shown early in offseason workouts. In Thursday’s practice, Smith separated on a route but was unable to come up with a pass that was wildly overthrown.
The speed and improved route-running abilities were there, though. It also helped that Smith was consistently gaining separation in practice. If this continues when the pads actually come on, there’s a good chance Smith will be part of the game plan once the real games begin.
The fact that he has taken to a new role on special teams can’t hurt either.
“Again, to see how natural he’s kind of been back there, there’s some things, obviously, that he’s new to, but challenging them on a regular basis, I think is our job as coaches to make sure we try to get the best out of them,” Banjo stated.
Smith has drawn comparisons to former Pro Bowl wideout DeSean Jackson. His speed and athleticism, coupled with his small stature, make it an easy connection. Taking on a returning role, which was another strength of Jackson’s, would only add to those comparisons.
The only difference is that Jackson was already a strong returner in college for California. Smith is learning this for the first time.
But if he keeps up his early momentum, the Jets’ most polarizing draft pick of the 2025 class could turn out to be one of their best.
