Entering his rookie season, Jet planes Wide receiver Malachi Corley Getting more playing time and gaining the veteran quarterback’s trust has been an uphill climb Aaron Rogers.
After impressing during training camp, Gang Green, a third-round pick from last April’s draft, faded into the team’s offense as Rodgers looked in jail with him. Garrett Wilson And his familiar target Alan Lazard.
Corley appeared in just three of the Jets’ first seven games and had one catch for four yards on one target while seeing limited playing time. And when he finally saw his number called on a running play in the red zone, the rookie It was an embarrassing moment: An 18-yard touchdown run against Houston was called back after replays showed he undercut the ball from the goal line.
Jets offensive play caller Todd Downing admitted Thursday that the rookie “definitely went through the season looking for more opportunities” and learning how to handle the lack of playing time in “better and more mature ways.”
After the departure of Mike Williams And the addition of another former teammate of Rodgers’ in Green Bay, Deonte AdamsCorley had a consistent run of play – culminating in Week 12 being on the field for 60 percent of the offense’s snaps (41 of 68 plays). He was inactive for the next two weeks and did not play last Sunday against the Rams.
Even so, Downing sees the receiver not playing above skill level due to circumstances.
“Malachi has a bright future in this league and has a talent that will ultimately help teams win football games,” Downing said. “Right now, though, he’s fighting to get scraps from Davante and (Wilson) and Allen et al.
“I think he’s learning to be a pro.”
In total, Corley has been inactive for more games this year (five) than he has been hit by Rodgers (four). For his rookie season, he managed just 16 receiving yards on three catches and 26 rushing yards on two carries.
With two games left, Downing indicated that the priority was to “win games,” which would mean that the players who give the offense the best shot at success would be given an opportunity rather than a “diagnosis,” and that youngsters like Corelli will be given an extended run.
“We’re going to do what we feel puts us in the best position to compete and win games,” the playcaller said. “Malachi is in a room with a lot of talent ahead of him on the depth chart.
“That being said, I think he has some careers ahead of him that he’s had the opportunity to learn from.”
While it was then-general manager Joe Douglas who thought enough of the Western Kentucky wideout that the Jets tried multiple times to trade up in the second round to nab him, SNY’s NFL Insider Connor Hughes noted at the time.. Corley went third overall to the Jets at No. 65 overall, but with turnover in the Jets’ front office, a change in circumstances could see the 22-year-old begin his career in 2025.
