Rookie Wide Receiver Flashes Great Potential for Jets

Rookie Wide Receiver Flashes Great Potential for Jets

Entering the offseason, the New York Jets recognized they weren’t going to find a single player to solely replace star Davante Adams ‘s production. The two-time league touchdown leader was a huge benefactor of targets from his longtime quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. In 11 games, the veteran had over 850 yards on 67 catches along with seven touchdowns. But that wasn’t enough to justify Adams’s large cap hit over the next two years, and he signed with the Los Angeles Rams shortly after his release.

In need of a productive wide receiver opposite of Garrett Wilson, general manager Darren Mougey had to get creative. It started signing underrated veteran Josh Reynolds, whose experience with the Lions had him adapted to the offense Tanner Engstrand wants to run. In addition, some help came on day three of the NFL Draft. With the 110th overall pick, New York made a selection that left fans shocked. Arian Smith, a longtime Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver, was selected. The pick caused confusion as many expected Utah State’s Jalen Royals and KeAndre Lambert-Smith out of Auburn, who were still on the board.

Rookie Arian Smith Is Working Hard

Arian Smith is a very tantalizing prospect. A two-time national champion at Georgia with a track and field background, Smith’s 6’0 and 180lb frame can move with speed. A deep threat who can make cornerbacks pay when facing press coverage. Smith had to wait for his turn during his first three years at Georgia, in limited action. Smith enjoyed a productive senior year with 817 receiving yards and featured in the running game with 54 rushing yards. The major drawback to Smith’s game was his dropped passes. Smith led the SEC with 10 dropped passes, the most by an SEC wide receiver in eight seasons. Of course, after the Jets led the league in dropped passes last year with 40 dropped passes, he’d fit right in.

However, that hasn’t been the case in training camp. As a matter of fact, Smith has been impressing with his ability to better track the ball. Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that Smith hasn’t been prominent through camp. Those efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. In the preseason opening win vs. the Green Bay Packers, Smith led wide receivers with 36 snaps for the Jets. He finished the game with two catches for 18 yards. While it’s not an earth-shattering performance, the wide receiver’s speed was on full display. Fourth-string quarterback Adrian Martinez targeted Smith on what would have been a 36-yard touchdown, but the ball was overthrown.

Smith’s Path to WR3 is Bright

Within the hierarchy of the wide receiver room, Arian Smith is trying to stake his claim behind Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, and Allen Lazard. Thus far, he’s been showing his potential in practice. But he’s not the only one who’s stood out thus far. Veteran Tyler Johnson has also shown his prowess after a lengthy tenure with the Rams. Before that, Johnson spent his first two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, with Allen Lazard sidelined with a shoulder injury, these final preseason games can have a massive impact on both men’s chances to contribute early.