It looks like a typographical error at first glance.
New York Jets' rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley has totaled 3 offensive snaps over the season's first four games. He's dressed every week, but he has barely left the sideline in somewhat of a puzzling development.
In the Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos, Corley saw exactly zero reps as the Jets' offense struggled mightily in unpleasant weather conditions.
"He just needs to continue to work. There's a group of receivers ahead of him that are operating a little bit better than he is right now. We as coaches also have to continue to work to develop him and get him ready to contribute to the offense," said head coach Robert Saleh on Monday after the 10-9 home loss.
Is Corley really that unprepared for the NFL? It's shocking that he hasn't been able to get on the field, considering how excited New York's brain trust appeared to be when drafting the "YAC King."
The Jets actually traded up seven spots to the top of Round 3 for the chance to select Corley at No. 65 overall. They seemed to have immediate intentions of building him into the offense, but an opinion has obviously changed somewhere along the way.
Corley was touted as a hard-running slot receiver with potential for deployment on gadget plays and jet sweeps. He seemed to fit the desired attitude that team brass has tried to instill across the organization.
It's also somewhat troubling to hear Saleh say there is a "group of receivers" ahead of the rookie in the pecking order. It's evident that New York, for reasons unknown, clearly prefers undersized, undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson over Corley and it's not as if Gipson is performing anywhere near an All-Pro level. The second-year pro has three catches for 22 yards on six receiving targets.
With his yards-after-contact ability seemingly fit for the new kickoff format, Corley has not even sniffed a return specialist role. He has logged one special teams rep through his first four games.
At this point, why are the Jets even dressing Corley when they apparently have no intention of using him? It's a mind-boggling situation on multiple levels.
More New York Jets News:
• Aaron Rodgers 'not good enough' in Jets' Week 4 debacle
• Aaron Rodgers disagrees with coach on cadence after Jets' penalty-filled loss
• Most-miserable stat sums up Jets' first-half struggles on miserable day
• Jets elevate linebacker and defensive lineman for Week 4 battle vs. Broncos
• Saleh describes Jets' ideal player and he's not Aaron Rodgers
