Sportsnaut
The New York Jets made big changes this offseason in bringing in a new general manager, head coach and quarterback. With new leadership in the building, it appears one of the club’s top picks from the 2024 NFL Draft isn’t a lock to make the roster.
Rich Cimini of ESPN shed light on the upcoming second year for wide receiver Malachi Corley. After missing the start of offseason activities with the new regime, Corley now heads into the summer behind in the receiver room and he’ll need to prove himself to remain with the club.
“My old coach, Bill Parcells, used to say the first thing you need to be is you need to be available. He’s missed some time, and there’s a learning curve here, so he’s in catch-up mode right now.”
New York Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson on Malachi Corley
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In his final year as the Jets’ general manager, Joe Douglas spent the 65th overall pick (Round 3) on Corley. He was taken well ahead of Jalen McMillan, who recorded 8 touchdowns and 461 receiving yards in his rookie season.
Corley appeared in just 9 games last season, making one start. The 5-foot-11 receiver failed to record a single game with multiple catches, with two of his receptions failing to even clear 5 yards. Corley finished the year playing just 91 total snaps (83 on offense, 8 on special teams).
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Upon being hired, the new Jets’ regime brought in veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds. New York also spent a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Arian Smith. Paired with Allen Lazard restructuring his contract, Corley could be fighting with Tyler Johnson to be the fifth receiver on the depth chart.
If it becomes clear late in the summer that Corley won’t make the Jets’ 53-man roster, the team likely shops him around the league before cutting him. While his pedigree might generate some interest, Corley’s inability to get on the field consistently last season might drive down enough interest that he’s eventually released.
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