The Jets were sure to come away from the 2024 NFL draft with some playmakers.
While general manager Joe Douglas didn't draft a pass-catcher with the team's first-round pick and instead opted for offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, Douglas was sure to snag one in the middle rounds. He traded up seven spots in the third round to take Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley at No. 65, who deemed himself the "YAC King."
That selection, as well as Corley's expected role in the Jets offense with Aaron Rodgers under center, is why Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team believes Corley's landing spot with New York is one of the best in the draft. Valentino wrote that Corley's game is similar to Rodgers' former Packers and Jets teammate, Randall Cobb, and that he fits well with the Jets' other skill position players in Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
"The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder should be viewed as a lock to be a big part of the offensive unit," Valentino wrote. "His game is unique but isn't too different than one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite teammates, Randall Cobb.
"Corley dominates on screens and quick-hitting routes that allow him to find space after the catch. Because of his thick lower body, strength and ball-carrying ability, he's often been compared to Deebo Samuel. Like Cobb, Corley will catch short passes efficiently and maximize the opportunity.
"Now, Corley enters an offense run by Nathaniel Hackett, who intimately knows how to use someone like Cobb because he coached him. The other factor here is the opportunity. The New York Jets lack any depth beyond Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
Corley will compete with Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee for playing time. He should not have many issues overcoming those obstacles."
Why Corley calls himself the 'YAC King'
Corley's stats are promising, but it's what he did with the ball for the past two seasons that earned him the moniker. He finished with 253 catches for 2,968 yards and 29 touchdowns during his 40 games with Western Kentucky but led all college receivers in yards after catch (YAC) with 1,658 yards since 2022.
This is the type of playmaker the Jets didn't really have in 2023. Wilson is a great do-it-all pass-catcher who can make plays in space and in the air. Williams is much more of a contested catch receiver who may not have the same speed he once did earlier in his career. The rest of the receivers are middling at best between Lazard, Gipson and Brownlee.
If Corley can play similarly to how Cobb operated with Rodgers during all those years in Green Bay, he'll be a welcome addition to the Jets offense.
