Jets training camp proving the Malachi Corley breakout is inevitable

The NY Jets are experimenting a bit at wide receiver while Mike Williams nurses his way back to full health. The No. 3 wide receiver competition between struggling incumbent Allen Lazard and 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley is going to be front and center at Jets practice.

Lazard was spotted in uniform at this practice, but he was not participating in team drills after getting banged up in yesterday's practice. This gave Corley, who came out of Western Kentucky with concerns about his ability to run a complete NFL route tree, an opportunity to shine that he took full advantage of.

Aaron Rodgers and the offense had their best day so far, with Rodgers tossing six touchdown passes in the early afternoon tune-up session. Three of them went to Garrett Wilson, and two went to Breece Hall. Corley also found himself on the receiving end of a Rodgers touchdown, tacking on a second score via an end-around play.

With Lazard guaranteed next to nothing after his nightmare of a debut season with the Jets, any small victory Corley had could be enough to help him take ownership of a starting role. While it is just a practice, Corley and Rodgers seem to be already developing a relationship.

Malachi Corley turning heads at NY Jets training camp

No one doubts that Corley is going to be an impactful playmaker with the ball in his hands. With running back size and wide receiver speed, Corley's ability to pile up yards after catch will play well in New York's offense.

Having run an extremely limited route tree at Western Kentucky and coming to the pros without the best separation skills, it's fair to wonder if Corley has the skills needed to assume a starting role immediately. Even if he doesn't, he may be the best option the Jets have on the roster.

Lazard is basically a sunk cost at this point, and he isn't going to be part of the Jets' plans going forward. Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee are still hanging around from last year, but Corley has more high-end potential than both of those players.

Why not throw him in the deep end?

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