For most NFL veterans, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are a time to reacclimate. However, for rookies, it’s an early audition. It’s their first chance to prove their worth in front of coaches, teammates, and fans alike. This year, the New York Jets have found themselves with a pleasant surprise in OTAs: rookie wide receiver Arian Smith. His early performances have already generated a noticeable buzz at Florham Park.
A Transitional Offseason for the Jets
The 2025 offseason was a period of recalibration for the New York Jets. Coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign, the front office made significant changes to reshape the team’s trajectory. The hiring of Aaron Glenn as head coach was widely praised across the league. Glenn’s leadership, defensive acumen, and ability to connect with players brought a renewed sense of optimism.
Offensively, the Jets fully committed to Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. They knew that Fields thrives in a run-heavy system while still growing as a passer. As such, the Jets accepted the reality that their aerial attack needed work. Beyond star wideout Garrett Wilson, the only Jets receiver to earn a PFF receiving grade above 63.5 last season outside of Davante Adams. However, Adams departed in free agency. As such, the receiving corps lacked established production.
The roster underwent additional changes as well. Defensive back DJ Reed and offensive tackle Morgan Moses departed. That left holes that the front office sought to fill through the draft. With selections like offensive lineman Armand Membou and defensive back Azareye’h Thomas, the Jets addressed some of those immediate needs. Sure, this roster may not yet be built for a deep playoff run. However, it was widely viewed as a productive offseason of turnover and strategic recalibration.
Here we’ll try to look at the New York Jets rookie player whose stock is rising and turning heads in 2025 OTAs.
A Controversial Draft Pick
One of the more debated moves the Jets made in the 2025 NFL Draft came in the fourth round. With the No. 110 overall pick, they selected Arian Smith. He’s a wide receiver whose name wasn’t frequently seen in mock drafts as a fourth-round selection. Many draft analysts questioned the decision. NBC Sports draft analyst Connor Rogers even projected Smith to go in the sixth round, bluntly calling the selection a “massive reach.”
Note that Smith’s college tape was a mixed bag. He had blazing speed but inconsistent hands and limited physicality. He also had durability concerns stemming from his smaller frame. However, what couldn’t be ignored was his electric athleticism. Smith ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine with a blistering time of 4.36 seconds. In interviews, Smith has claimed to have clocked an even faster 4.28 during his college career. That’s a mark that would have made him the fastest receiver at this year’s Combine.
Early Returns Exceed Expectations
Yes, it is far too early to draw sweeping conclusions. That said, Smith has been one of the most talked-about players during the Jets’ OTAs. With the pads not yet on and full contact limited, speed and route-running precision often stand out. In that regard, Smith has maximized his opportunities.
Observers have noted that Smith has consistently created separation on his routes, seemingly getting open on every rep. More importantly, the concerns about his hands have been temporarily alleviated. Reports out of camp indicate that Smith hasn’t dropped a single pass throughout multiple practices. That’s a significant development considering pre-draft critiques. Sure, route-running can be rehearsed. However, confidence in one’s hands often requires repetition, refinement, and mental discipline. These are qualities Smith appears to be developing quickly.
Caution and Optimism
It is important to balance the excitement with some realism. OTAs offer a controlled environment where physical press coverage is limited. In addition, defenders aren’t allowed to make full contact. Smith’s smaller frame—he measured in at just under 6’0 and 190 pounds—means his ability to withstand and fight through physical defensive backs remains untested.
Nevertheless, the early signs are extremely promising. In a receiving room that is looking for reliable contributors behind Wilson, Smith is carving out an early path toward becoming a rotational weapon—or perhaps more.
A Perfect Fit for Fields?
One intriguing aspect of Smith’s emergence is how well his skill set might complement Fields. The latter has always excelled when throwing to receivers who can stretch the field vertically. Smith’s top-end speed could open up new dimensions for the Jets’ offense. He could force safeties to respect the deep ball and potentially create more space for Wilson and the Jets’ run game.
If Smith can continue to improve his route running and prove reliable with his hands, he could become a vital piece in a passing game desperate for additional playmakers. His speed alone forces defenses to account for him on every snap he’s on the field.
A Name to Watch
Every year, unexpected rookies emerge during the early phases of the NFL calendar, and Arian Smith is quickly becoming one of those players in 2025. While skeptics remain cautious—and understandably so given his pre-draft profile—Smith has taken full advantage of his first opportunity to shine.
For a Jets franchise in transition and a fanbase starving for offensive fireworks, Smith offers a glimmer of hope that their fourth-round gamble might pay off. If he continues on his current trajectory, Arian Smith could transform from a draft day reach into a legitimate offensive weapon—and a key piece of the Jets’ rebuild.
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