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Arian Smith Could Be the Commanders’ New Deep Threat

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NCAA Football: Clemson at Georgia
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Arian Smith, WR
School: University of Georgia | Conference: Southeastern
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Draft Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’0”/ 180 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 6th-7th round

Player Comparison: Chris Harper

College Statistics

Receiving & Rushing Table
Receiving Rushing Scrimmage
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Y/R TD Y/G Att Yds Y/A TD Y/G Plays Yds Avg TD Awards
2020* Georgia SEC FR WR 4 2 86 43.0 1 21.5 1 -9 -9.0 0 -2.3 3 77 25.7 1
2021* Georgia SEC FR WR 4 3 102 34.0 2 25.5 1 15 15.0 0 3.8 4 117 29.3 2
2022* Georgia SEC SO WR 11 7 198 28.3 1 18.0 0 0 0 0.0 7 198 28.3 1
2023* Georgia SEC JR WR 14 8 153 19.1 2 10.9 1 33 33.0 0 2.4 9 186 20.7 2
2024 Georgia SEC SR WR 14 48 817 17.0 4 58.4 5 54 10.8 0 3.9 53 871 16.4 4
Career 47 68 1356 19.9 10 28.9 8 93 11.6 0 2.0 76 1449 19.1 10
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/4/2025.

Player Overview

A two-sport athlete (track & field) from Mulberry HS and Lakeland HS (FL), Arian Smith committed to University of Georgia as a four-star recruit. He competed in the 100m, 200m, and long jump with Mulberry. Arian Smith also competed in track & field with Georgia until 2023, where he earned first-team All-American (2021) for track and qualified for the SEC Championship with 10.4 in the 100-meter dash. With full commitment towards football, Arian broke out with 48 receptions, 871 total yards (817 receiving yards, 54 rushing yards), and 4 receiving touchdowns in his 2024 season. He was a 2025 Senior Bowl participant and is scheduled for a Top-30 visit with the Washington Commanders.

Speed is what defines Arian Smith’s game. He is a track athlete and ran one of the fastest 40 times at the Combine. He averaged at least 17 yards per reception on a heavy diet of go routes, seams, and comebacks. But Arian made the most of his routes and is still improving his route tree. Smith has solid release and is able to work through jams and win through contact. He is also a willing blocker and has good technique. Smith is capable of navigating through traffic to pick up more yards after the catch. Yet, Smith struggles with concentration drops (10 in 2024) and is clunky when trying to start-and-stop or change directions. Smith also has an extensive injury history which partially explains his limited production. Teams selecting Arian Smith on Day 3 are hoping to get a vertical threat receiver who could add more routes to take advantage of his speed.

Awards & Recognition

  • Senior Bowl participant (2025)

Metrics

Source: nfl.com

Strengths

  • Blistering vertical speed. Eats up cushions instantly.
  • Able to navigate through traffic after the catch.
  • Willing blocker with good technique.
  • Good at ball tracking.
  • Big play waiting to happen (17 yards/reception)

Weaknesses

  • Awkward changing directions, stops & starts, and fakes.
  • Limited route tree.
  • Lean body frame.
  • Needs better catching technique (10 drops in 2024).
  • Poor play strength, goes down easily.
  • Happens to run into defenders.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

Washington added a litany of receivers via free agency and trade. One aspect they lost with the departure of Olamide Zacchaeus and Dyami Brown was speed, and speed is what Arian Smith has in spades. In Smith, Washington is hoping to fill the Dyami Brown size hole with another burner while betting on his development on short routes. While the wide receiver room is crowded this season, Arian Smith could find himself a niche role as the big-play threat in the following seasons.