Jets draft pick fighting for his NFL future with roster spot on the line

It feels odd to say that a third-round pick from just a year ago is already in a make-or-break camp, but that’s the truth for Malachi Corley. The No. 65 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had a very quiet rookie season, catching just three passes for 16 yards.

The most significant moment for him during his rookie season was fumbling/dropping the ball short of the end zone on what would have been his first career touchdown against the Texans.

It was that kind of year for Corley in 2024, but he is hoping to change the narrative this year. He’ll need a big camp to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster as the new front office and coaching staff have no ties to him. They did not select him, and they certainly showed their displeasure with Corley after he missed most of the offseason workouts.

The good news for Corley is that he was present for the first day of training camp and appears to be fully healthy. That is an excellent sign for Corley as he dealt with an “undisclosed injury” during the offseason workouts. But the fact that he was on the field Wednesday should clear up any concerns about his long-term health.

Malachi Corley has a lot to prove to the new Jets coaching staff

The Jets have a big need at receiver after Garrett Wilson and would love for Corley to eventually become the No. 2 or No. 3 option in the passing game.

But that’s not the goal right now for Corley. Instead, he needs to show enough during training camp and the preseason to warrant a spot on the 53-man roster, and that is far from a guarantee.

There is no doubt that Corley is talented, and his ability to be used as a runner and as a receiver should make him a useful player in Tanner Engstrand’s offense.

However, Corley needs to show significant improvements as a route runner and prove to the coaching staff that he is reliable and consistent. Those three things held him back from producing as a rookie, and until he improves in those areas, it’s going to be hard for him to earn a consistent role in the offense.

The Jets need Corley to step up in a big way, and the fact that he was on the field for Day 1 is a good sign. Keep an eye on the former Western Kentucky star as this could be a career-defining camp for Corley.

How he performs in camp over the next four weeks will go a long way in deciding his fate with the New York Jets.

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