Jets' Arian Smith selection could quietly spell the end for this Joe Douglas bust

The New York Jets decided to add another wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Georgia burner Arian Smith, which was almost assuredly brought on after former third-round selection and object of Joe Douglas' desire Malachi Corley failed to show he can even stick around in the NFL.

Corley, who ranked ahead of Jaguars sensation Brian Thomas Jr. in Douglas' rankings, recorded just five touches from scrimmage last season, one of which was his infamous fumble at the goal line before what should have been his first career touchdown. Is it possible to have a worse rookie season?

Right now, the top three receivers on the depth chart are the exceptional Garrett Wilson, veteran Josh Reynolds, and disappointing free agent signing Allen Lazard. Former Rams receiver Tyler Johnson is the leader in the clubhouse for WR4, leaving Corley and Smith to fight over the next spot on the roster.

If Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand see minimal improvement from Corley, they could very easily wipe away another remnant of the Joe Douglas regime and part ways with him before his second season.

Arian Smith selection could bring about the end of Malachi Corley with Jets

The Jets have been very open about how they believe Smith has a much higher ceiling than what most draft analysts think, claiming that his speed can make him a weapon on jet sweeps and other gadget plays. Does that not sound like what New York wanted to do with Corley last year?

If Smith beats out Corley for this WR5/gadget role as a rookie, it might be worth keeping a player like Irv Charles or Brandon Smith on the roster over Corley due to their special teams value. His lack of route-running chops is a serious problem.

The best hope Corley will have of staying on the roster in a position of semi-prominence will come if the Jets get rid of Lazard, which is still very much a possibility. That could free up slot targets for Corley, as Wilson will likely be used on the outside to make up for the loss of Lazard.

There's a chance that this new offensive regime decides to give Corley a bit of a long runway after what a mess the start of his career was, but there's an equally likely shot that this team decides to just give up on trying to turn him around and gets rid of him.