5 NY Jets with most to prove at 2024 mandatory minicamp

2. Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets

The Jets' running back competition will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow this summer, but the battle is already taking shape in the spring. One player in desperate need of a standout performance is Israel Abanikanda.

The second-year running back has found himself plummeting down the depth chart this spring, sliding behind rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis and even new free-agent addition Tarik Cohen.

While Abanikanda didn't do anything to impress during OTAs, Allen and Davis both made strong first impressions. The writing already seems to be on the wall for the former Pittsburgh star.

There is still time for Abanikanda to turn things around, and a strong performance at minicamp would go a long way toward helping him solidify a roster spot.

1. Malachi Corley, WR, NY Jets

The Jets clearly have big plans for rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley, who the team aggressively traded up for in this year's draft. The hope is that he can step into a prominent role in the offense right away.

He's not just going to be handed anything, however. While most assume Corley will be the Jets' starting slot receiver come Week 1, he has some competition for reps, most notably second-year wideout Xavier Gipson.

Gipson actually worked ahead of Corley for most of OTAs and put together a strong spring. Meanwhile, Corley missed time due to a minor injury and didn't have any standout moments.

Corley is obviously in the Jets' long-term plans, but he's not a lock to be a featured player on offense this season. An impressive performance at minicamp would certainly help him secure a role moving forward.