Analyst says rookie 'must be Jets’ WR1' without injured Garrett Wilson

Charlie Baduini

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Analyst says rookie 'must be Jets’ WR1' without injured Garrett Wilson image

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The New York Jets are going to be without their best offensive player for the next few weeks.

Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson suffered a hyperextended knee in their Week 6 loss against the Denver Broncos and is expected to be out for at least their next two games.

While the Jets have middling veteran talent at the position, there is one youngster with upside who could do his best to fill in the shoes of Wilson while he recovers from his injury.

Michael Nania says Jets must use Arian Smith as WR1

According to Michael Nania of Jet X Factor, rookie wide receiver Arian Smith should step in as the Jets' No. 1 receiving option while Wilson is out.

"The Jets’ speedy fourth-round rookie has been open all year, but due to Justin Fields’ processing issues, Smith has only been targeted six times, catching four passes for 24 yards. Three of those four receptions came from Tyrod Taylor," wrote Nania.

"In New York’s recent loss to Denver, Smith was open for numerous downfield opportunities, but Fields never took advantage. Now, with Wilson sidelined, the Jets should roll the dice on their high-ceiling rookie and hand him the keys to the passing game in Week 7."

Smith, the 110th overall pick out of Georgia in the 2025 NFL Draft, has not had many opportunities to showcase his skills yet throughout his rookie season.

Whether that's due to Justin Fields not throwing him the ball, as Nania pointed out, or the coaching staff opting to give veterans more snaps, Smith certainly needs reps to learn and grow on the job.

Considering the Jets' only other options with Wilson out are Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, and Allen Lazard, New York fans will hope their rookie can take advantage of the opportunity in front of him.

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Charlie Baduini

Charlie Baduini is a freelance NBA writer with The Sporting News. He is a content editor and writer with a wide variety of sports reporting experience in live broadcasting and print media.