Xavier Gipson emerging as favorite for NY Jets slot receiver job

NY Jets fans have understandably been excited to see rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley take the field this year, but a different wide receiver has emerged as the team's potential breakout player. And that wide receiver could be coming for Corley's job.

Second-year wideout Xavier Gipson was one of the Jets' most impressive players at OTAs and minicamp this spring. He worked exclusively with the first-team offense and was the team's de facto WR2 with Mike Williams still rehabbing his knee injury.

Gipson has not only solidified himself as a near-lock for the 53-man roster but he's gone as far as to establish himself as the early favorite for the Jets' slot receiver job. Yes, Gipson is ahead of Corley on the depth chart.

Some of that should be expected, seeing as it's normal for rookies to start lower on the depth chart in the spring. Still, that shouldn't take away from the performance Gipson put together throughout spring practices. He's earning a permanent role in the Jets' offense.

NY Jets fans shouldn't sleep on Xavier Gipson in 2024

Jets X Factor's Robby Sabo highlighted Gipson's improved route-running, insisting that he's seen as the team's No. 2 healthy wide receiver at the moment. The former undrafted free agent made more plays downfield than any Jets player not named Garrett Wilson this spring.

Gipson made the Jets' roster as an undrafted rookie last season primarily due to his special-teams contributions. And while he's still fighting for the team's top return specialist job this summer, he seems to have secured a roster spot either way.

The Jets have been pleasantly surprised by Gipson's continued development this offseason. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt made note of Gipson's growing chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, insisting that he absolutely shouldn't be counted out in the WR3 battle.

Meanwhile, his primary competition, Corley, didn't do much to stand out in the spring. Corley missed time due to an undisclosed injury and failed to make much of an impact during open-media practices.

That said, Corley is someone whose strengths will be highlighted more once pads come on. It's also still only June — no one should expect the Western Kentucky product to look like Justin Jefferson in practice.

Gipson has capitalized on his opportunities, though, and is making a strong case to earn a larger role in 2024. Whether you're a Jets fan eagerly awaiting the start of the season or a fantasy football fan looking for a bargain addition, now is the time to buy Xavier Gipson stock.