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Critic Bluntly Names Jets 'Worst Draft Pick'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 9:49 PM ET

The New York Jets' regime under Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey is gaining momentum with positive changes happening inside the building.

While some key free agent signings were made, most notably Justin Fields, many were excited to see how Glenn and Mougey would go about their first draft together. Overall, it was a positive one, with glowing grades given to the AFC East franchise.

But not all of their picks were met with adulation. Armand Membou, Mason Taylor, and Azareye'h Thomas were their top three selections and seen as good picks, but it is after that where things fall away.

For CBS Sports, in naming the Jets' best and worst picks of their haul, Georgia Bulldog Arian Smith is named the worst selection.

"New York needed to add another wide receiver, but it should've happened earlier in the draft," CBS Sports writes. "Smith is extremely athletic and may see time, but could be asked to bite off a little more than he can chew out of the gate. He dealt with some drops last season."

The biggest thing when it comes to Arian and this "worst pick" thought is the drops.

Last season, per 247 Sports, Smith recorded 10 drops, the most in the SEC and Power Four, and it was also the first time since 2016 that an SEC receiver had double-digit drops, too.

That is one area that Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand must focus on with Smith, because yes, he is a speed burner who can take a top of the defense with what Mougey called "elite speed," but if you can't catch the football, quarterbacks will lose trust in the player.

Still, Smith posted 817 yards and four touchdowns, but the drops are a big bug-a-boo and one that this entire offseason should be focused on fixing if he is to avoid the"worst pick" narrative.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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