The Draft Gem of the AFC East

The AFC East’s Top Draft Gem

New York Jets: Malachi Corley – WR Western Kentucky

It’s no secret that the Jets are all-in on the 2024 season. With Aaron Rodgers returning from injury, and an improved offensive line, the Jets needed to prioritize wide receiver. The team has a star in Garrett Wilson, but the receiver room looks thin outside of that. Many speculated the Jets would select Brock Bowers to bolster the offense, but the team did the smart thing and added a blue-chip prospect at tackle with their first-round pick. By not reaching for a playmaker and focusing on the offensive line, New York put itself in a position to be competitive now and in the future.

Having sent their second-round pick to the Green Bay Packers in a trade last April, the Jets had to be crafty with their draft picks in 2024. The team received two picks from the Minnesota Vikings in their trade to get Olu Fashanu but had to be aggressive in landing a receiver. With Malachi Corley still on the board in the second round, the organization reportedly attempted to trade up to draft him (per ESPN). They ultimately had to wait until the third round to draft Corley, but their patience paid off when they swung a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Corley brings a much-needed physicality to the Jets receiver room. With Wilson, the team has a smooth route runner who can make contested catches at any point on the field. They lacked a player with Corley’s playmaking ability in open space. At Western Kentucky, Corley created big plays by running through defenders and generating yards after the catch. His presence immediately gives the Jets a player who can be used on short and intermediate routes to help open more opportunities for Wilson and Breece Hall.

Honorable Mention: Malik Washington – WR Virginia

The Miami Dolphins are a track team on turf. Mike McDaniel has put together a collection of talent on offense that is unrivaled when it comes to speed. From Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, the Dolphins offense is loaded with guys who can take it the distance. While Wright was a solid pick for Miami, Washington gets the shine as a potential draft gem. In his final season at Virginia, Washington set multiple school records and ACC records. With Hill and Waddle firmly entrenched as the team’s top receivers, Washington can carve out a role in the slot and make an impact early.

The team signed Braxton Berrios to a one-year deal, but Washington has the tools and makeup to win the job over Berrios. McDaniel is good at crafting ways to get his receivers touches in open space, which should bode well for Washington’s skill set. Given how much Miami likes to spread the ball to its receivers and running backs, Washington should be in line for touches from the start. The scheme fit in Miami should put Washington in line to be a draft gem.