New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey selected wide receiver Arian Smith with a fourth-round pick (No. 110) in the 2025 NFL draft to add speed and explosiveness to the offense. Though Smith is expected to compete for a role in an unpredictable wide receiver room, the former Georgia standout could first be tasked with making an impact on special teams.

Smith was a divisive prospect throughout the pre-draft process. The speedy playmaker displayed his Track & Field background by running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He struggled with occasional drops at Georgia, but did produce 48 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns this past season.

WHAT A CATCH by rookie WR Arian Smith at OTAs 🔥#Jets | 🎥 @nyjetspic.twitter.com/3p7CvEzkQ1

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) May 30, 2025

Smith didn’t return kicks or punts at Georgia, but the Jets consistently mentioned him as an option at OTAs and mandatory minicamp. It creates another possibility for Smith’s speed to make an impact while he continues fine-tuning the technical aspects of his skill set.

“I know people talk about his hands in the past, but he’s honestly shown us some great things here early on,” special teams coordinator Chris Banjo said earlier this offseason. “Some guys, people don’t even know they have returner capabilities. We were fortunate enough to draft Arian (Smith) and he’s been able to flash some things, some very, very good things.”

The Jets hope Smith’s vertical speed will make a positive impact on their offense. While sorting through the depth chart in a crowded wide receiver room, the Jets are experimenting with Smith’s special teams capabilities. He could develop into an effective return man.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Will Jets rookie WR Arian Smith make an impact on special teams?