Given his experience as a Super Bowl-winning head coach and as a seasoned analyst, Jon Gruden possesses extensive football knowledge. With such a deep appreciation for the game’s history and fundamentals, the respected figure likely holds strong opinions on the approaching the 2025 NFL draft.
Ahead of the NFL draft, Jon Gruden identified Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith as the draft’s sleeper wide receiver. In a recent Instagram post, Gruden enthusiastically praised Smith’s exceptional speed and dedication, suggesting he would be a valuable acquisition for any team that drafts him.
Gruden raves about Smith’s work ethic and effort will help him overcome the hands and catching problem that was shown at times during the 2024 season. Gruden thinks Smith has more untapped potential.
“This guy (Arian Smith) can roll, man,” said Gruden. “This guy runs sub-4.3. I know he has some catch issues, some hands, some drops… but I have seen this guy working out.”
As the Georgia Bulldogs’ top receiver in the 2024 season with 817 yards, Smith has built a reputation for his exceptional speed and talent for stretching the field. This ability to threaten defenses deep is a valuable asset that projects well for a potential NFL career, assuming his development continues.
“This guy can change directions. He has rare acceleration. He can do the one thing you can’t coach, man. He can rip the top off you. He will strike fear into you,” said Gruden.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Jon Gruden lists Georgia football star as draft sleeper