Malachi Corley stands 5’11” and is 215 lbs. (based on the combine). He plays wide receiver pretty much like a big running back, and that’s going to pay dividends for the Jets in 2024. His rookie season projection will show he can have a memorable one.
Rookie Season Projection for Malachi Corley
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all time. The offenses he’s run have produced big numbers, but he’s never had a receiving option like Malachi Corley. Corley fits how Rodgers loves to play the game so well. Unfortunately, there’s no other way to say it. His and Rodgers’ style of play fit like a glove. Let’s take a look at all his traits for his rookie season projection.
YAC King/Quick Release of Rodgers
Corley’s primary role at Western Kentucky was short and run with the ball, essentially long handoffs. He was nicknamed YAC king. That nickname was very apropos, and it was evident in this play shared by Pro Football Network.
Malachi Corley: Officially good at football 🔥
CFB Live Blog: https://t.co/hXJg4VxML9
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 24, 2022
Aaron Rodgers loves to get the ball out quickly. Corley’s ability to build up speed and break tackles makes him the perfect receiver for Rodgers. He will be used a lot in the short game while he’s developing as more of a complete receiver.
Vertical Threat
He also has shown signs that he can be a vertical threat as well. He doesn’t consistently create separation vertically. However, the combination of the ball placement of Rodgers and his strong hands make him a threat in this regard.
Running Game
Because of his size, Corley can be used in the running game. He’s a dangerous weapon but should be used sparingly in this role. This role would be just to keep the defense honest.
Blocker in the Running Game
You should expect the Jets to play more of a variety of personnel packages. Their staple will be 11 personnel, though. The Jets may seem to be shifting to more of a gap power scheme, but they will still play their fair share of wide zone. His size and strength will allow him to help the running backs on the outside create holes and take away the cornerback from the play.
Offensive Rookie of the Year?
In 2022, Garrett Wilson put up 83 receptions, 1,103 yards, and four touchdowns despite poor quarterback play. Rodgers may heavily lean on Wilson as his Davante Adams-type receiver. Malachi Corley has a chance to be his WR2 because Mike Williams is coming off an injury. As a result, he may be eased back into the fold. If Corley can earn the trust of Rodgers, he could see a lot of production early on. This will boost his chances at getting some attention for Offensive Rookie of the Year, in a stack wide receiver class. What does all of this mean for his rookie season projection, though?
Malachi Corley’s Final Rookie Projection: Stats
In the Jets offense, the best use of Corley will be YAC while developing his other skills along the way. With Rodgers at the helm, what does that mean for his production as a rookie?
Stats prediction
As stated earlier, Mike Williams probably should be brought along slowly, similarly to how they did it with Breece Hall. That gives Corley time to develop a chemistry with Rodgers. Along with that chemistry will come a lot of chances early in the season. If Mike Williams catches fire midseason, that will limit the touches for Corley later on, but his early season work will help pad the production.
The combination of Wilson and Corley will create a pick-your-poison type scenario, with teams trying to take away Wilson. This will also give Corley a chance to shine.
In the end, he will put up solid rookie production in this offense.
Receptions: 65
Yards: 832
TD: 6
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
