“I just broke the record. It still doesn’t feel real,” said Xavier Worthy before Andy Reid’s Chiefs drafted him 28th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made the record for the fastest 40-yard dash with 4.21 seconds at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. It showed up in the game as he moved through the rival’s defense with ease. Overall, he recorded 59 receptions for 638 receiving yards with 6 TDs and 20 rushes for 104 yards with 3 TDs. But he’s got a competitor now. Georgia Bulldogs Arian Smith!

According to an NFC executive, Smith can break Worthy’s record with ease as he said, “He’s going to run in the 4.2’s. More than likely early 4.2’s. He’s been one of the best-kept secrets in this draft. Although he won’t be a secret anymore after Indy.” He’s a dual-threat wide receiver.

Unlike Xavier Worthy, Smith competed in the sprint events while studying in college. He even won the 2019 Pan American U20 Athletics Championships with other players, like Justin Ofotan, Marcellus Moore, and Matthew Boling in the 4 X 100 meter events. He also sprinted to the SEC Championship in 2021. But 2023 was the game-changing year. Things turned serious for the college athlete. He gave up everything else to pursue an NFL career.

The Athletics Bruce Feldman also praised his skills and said, “He’s probably the safest bet to run the fastest 40 this year. He only had 20 catches in his first four years at Georgia, but had a breakout season in 2024.” His analysis seems to be spot on.

Indeed, His pace at a height of 6 feet and 185 pounds is truly remarkable. In 2024, Arian Smith led the Georgia Bulldogs in receiving yards (817 yards, with 48 receptions and 4 TDs). His rushing game was also impressive, with 5 rushes for 54 yards.

Even before any concrete decision about the Bulldogs WR, he has started earning comparisons to experienced NFL receivers. And he is Lions WR Jameson Williams.

Arian Smith earns a unique comparison

The Bulldogs receiver has quite similar physical measurements to the Lions receiver. While Smith is 6 feet tall and weighs 185 lbs, Williams measures 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 180 pounds. Indeed, most of the scouts and teams who have seen the college athlete’s game have already found similarities between their techniques and skills.

Just like Arian Smith, he also struggled in his first two seasons. In 2023, the WR recorded 24 receptions for 354 receiving yards with 2 receiving TDs. But the last year changed everything for the 23-year-old athlete. In 2024 alone, he played 15 games (11 starters) for 58 receptions in 1001 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. His rushing game was also good as he had 11 rushes for 61 yards and 1 TD.

Indianapolis will host the NFL Combine from February 27 to March 2, 2025. That would be a great indicator of the true qualities of the players registered for the draft. It’s going to be interesting.