When Arian Smith was first drafted in the fourth round by the New York Jets in April, a collection of fans and analysts were puzzled by the decision.

Sure, the 23-year-old led the Georgia Bulldogs in receiving last year, but his high drop percentage and rash of injuries in college made him a player many felt New York reached for with the 110th pick.

Since then, Smith has done nothing but prove his doubters wrong. He was a winner throughout training camp in Florham Park and earned a solid role in the 2025 offense.

As he gears up for his regular season debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith spoke to Jets X-Factor about the build-up and the work he has put in to get to this moment.

An increasing role in Jets’ offense

Coming out of Georgia, Smith was known as the receiver who dropped the most passes of any Power Four player in the country. He also missed a series of games throughout his collegiate career.

Through the first month of padded practice and game situations, though, he has proven that he is on the path to squashing those concerns at the NFL level.

“Just honing in on it, embracing it, and doing what I can to get better in that phase of the game,” Smith said on how he has solved some of his draft concerns. “That’s my job, to catch the ball. If I weren’t a decent enough catcher, I wouldn’t be here.

“Of course, I can get better at a lot of things, so I just have to make sure I’m at my best when they need it.”

Among the stark differences between his college tape and his training camp and preseason footage has been a significant improvement in his route-running ability. Smith’s speed and the inclusion of his route-running prowess have allowed him to burn opposing corners all camp—from a fellow rookie like Azareye’h Thomas to an All-Pro like Sauce Gardner.

“When you think about it, it’s all about having this wiggle, speed, and consistency,” Smith explained. “You have to have good feet, and hand-eye coordination goes along with that.

“We work on that every day…just making sure you are clean and balanced.”

Smith’s catching ability and route-running have become strengths in just the last few months of Jets practices. The same fans who were worried about the Bulldog product’s ability to hang around in the NFL are thanking the heavens that the rookie may just solve some of their receiving concerns.

WATCH: Joe Blewett Breaks Down Arian Smith’s Impressive Route-Running vs. Giants

Through it all, the Florida native keeps a level head in his NFL journey and will do whatever it takes to help the Jets win in 2025.

“I’m just embracing the role, whatever it comes to be,” Smith told X-Factor. “Whether that’s getting some reps on special teams, whatever they ask me to do.”

A couple of months ago, analysts wondered if Smith could play at the NFL level due to his concerning college tape. Now?

There’s a real chance the rookie will be one of the immediate impact players for the Jets’ passing offense as early as Week 1.

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.