A New York Jets undrafted free agent has caught the attention of the national media.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report crowned former South Carolina State linebacker Aaron Smith as the Jets’ “most exciting” UDFA this offseason.
“South Carolina State’s Aaron Smith was one of the top non-FBS prospects throughout the recent draft cycle. He didn’t run as well as expected during his pre-draft workout, though. He’s a run-and-chase linebacker, 6’0″, 233-pound heat-seeking missile. He registered 95 total tackles in 10 games last season. His movement skills are misleading because he does display good instincts. At the same time, he faced a lower level of competition,” Sobleski explained.
“Now the small school free agent has a chance to show what he put on tape does apply to the professional level. Play speed is far more important than timed speed. Smith doesn’t have much play strength to his game, so the ability to consistently scrape, flow to the ball, and bring down ball carriers is important. He showed he could do so over the last two seasons with the Bulldogs. It’s now time to do so with Gang Green,” Sobleski added.
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Smith posted a 4.69 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. That would have been tied for the third slowest 40-yard dash time of any linebacker at the 2025 NFL combine.
Smith Got His Foot in the Door, Now It’s Time to Make the Most of It
The former South Carolina State product measured in at 6-foot-2 and tipped the scales at 230 pounds according to the official Jets roster sheet.
That is two inches taller than he is listed in “The Beast” via Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
“Inside linebacker with solid production and an average athletic profile. Smith looks faster on tape than his timed speed would suggest. He can disrupt the action with called blitzes and shots downhill. However, his instincts and play recognition are lacking. Smith plays with a competitive demeanor, but he needs to ratchet up his physicality as a tackler. He’s capable on special teams, but he might not stand out enough to give himself much of a chance to make a roster,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein explained.
Smith collected 5.5 sacks across his final three college seasons as an inside linebacker. That is wildly impressive and reveals a glimpse at what he could provide at the next level.
Zierlein listed some of Smith’s strengths in his NFL combine profile: “Created duress in the pocket as a pass rusher.” “Has proven himself a productive tackler on kick coverage units.”
While the weaknesses Zierlein listed could be what prevents him from having a long career in the pros: “Doesn’t display natural instincts to flow quickly with play design.” “More of a drag-down tackler than a tone-setting striker.” “Will need to prove he has the play speed for faster competition.”
The Jets Have Opportunities at the Linebacker Position in 2025
The top two spots on the Jets’ depth chart at linebacker are written in stone. Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams are holding down the fort.
However, the depth behind them is totally up for grabs heading into training camp.
Smith has an opportunity to steal someone’s job, but it’ll be up to him to seize it. The linebackers beyond Sherwood and Williams on the roster are a bunch of random players with limited experience.
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