The New York Jets have a chance -- a good chance -- to have an explosive offense in 2025.
Led by quarterback Justin Fields, Gang Green should feature one of the NFL's top rushing attacks. Fields and running back Breece Hall can be one of the league's most lethal rushing duos running behind a high-pedigree offensive line that features a pair of first-round bookends.
But for the Jets' offense to really take flight, they'll need a wide receiver to step up opposite Garrett Wilson.
Veterans Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are fine, but neither seasoned pro has the traits to take the top off a defense, which is where an elite rushing attack can take advantage of a defense with a strong play-action game.
READ: Jets urged to sign former All-Pro wide receiver
As a result, rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith could be thrust into a bigger role than most Day-3 picks. He's an absolute burner and was recently ranked among 2025 rookies who already look like draft-day steals at offseason workouts.
"Arian has some juice, don't he? God."
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 10, 2025
Aaron Glenn talks about what he's seen from Arian Smith and Mason Taylor in minicamp: pic.twitter.com/4541v4C6Y1
"Raw speed is so tantalizing, because it can be weaponized to tilt the field in the offense's favor," Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski wrote. "Defenses must take stock of a real speedster on every down and consistently defend all three levels. Smith has that caliber of speed. He needs to show throughout the summer that he can make the plays available to him. If he does, the Jets will have the type of weapon that should play well with an athletic quarterback in Justin Fields since the defense must account for him running at all times."
Smith ran a 4.36 at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, a trait that only Wilson can challenge among New York's pass catchers. The Jets are a candidate to add a veteran free agent at some point later this summer, but with Smith making a strong first impression on coach Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets' staff, his arrow is pointing straight up as training camp approaches.
Fourth-round picks don't usually make an immediate impact at wide receiver. They're often forced to cut their teeth on special teams. But that may not be the case for Smith, who will have an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the Jets' regular rotation of wideouts in 2025.
MORE NEW YORK JETS COVERAGE:
- 2026 NFL mock draft predicts New York Jets already have their franchise QB
- Jets predicted to receive massive improvement from critical starter in 2025
- NFL roster rankings deal harsh blow to NY Jets in 2025 outlook
- NY Jets land embarrassing QB-Coach duo ranking
- NY Jets $40 million free agent dubbed team's most dangerous addition