One of the major questions surrounding the New York Jets after four weeks is why Malachi Corley has not found a role on the team’s offense.
The third-round rookie wide receiver has played a total of three offensive snaps throughout the Jets’ first four games of the season. He did not record a single rep during the Jets’ rough 10-9 home loss to the Denver Broncos this past Sunday. So far, Corley has recorded one catch for four yards, which came in Week 2 against the Tennesse Titans.
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On Monday, reporters asked Jets head coach Robert Saleh if there is any reason Corley has had a nonexistent role in the team’s offense to start the season.
“He just needs to continue to work. There’s a group of receivers ahead of him that are operating a little bit better than he is right now. We as coaches also have to continue to work to develop him and get him ready to contribute to the offense,” Saleh said on Monday after the 10-9 home loss.
The Jets traded up five spots to select Corley with the 68th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, choosing him out of Western Kentucky University. Nicknamed the “YAC King,” Corley is a slot receiver who projects as a dangerous weapon on gadget plays.
Corley’s skill set also seems well-suited for a returner role, but he was unable to secure one of the Jets’ three starting returner spots in the summer, losing out to Xavier Gipson and Isaiah Davis. Corley has only played one snap on special teams this season.
If the Jets’ offense continues to struggle, Saleh will be peppered with more questions about when the Jets will deploy Corley’s talent on the field.