The New York Knicks are moving on to Round 2, the New York Rangers are set to get Round 2 going, and a certain green-colored football team unofficially began their 2024 season. For certain New York sports fans, life simply does not get any better (apologies to New York Islanders and Brooklyn Nets fans).
Robert Saleh’s New York Jets kicked off their rookie minicamp on Friday, which meant everybody’s first look at the new kids on the Florham Park, NJ, block. Of course, first-round offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and third-round wide receiver Malachi Corley took center stage.
Olu Fashanu looks the part
The first glimpse of Penn State product Olu Fashanu came as soon as the on-field portion of the Jets’ rookie minicamp commenced. Jets X-Factor spotted Fashanu working to the side while the big heavies were in the midset of positionals.
Big Olu and the rest of #Jets rookie minicamp is live. Haven’t spotted Corley yet. pic.twitter.com/BBc9KnqFn9
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 3, 2024
Unlike some of the offensive linemen present courtesy of a tryout, Fashaun clearly fits the eye. He’s a traditional left tackle anchor in every way—when sizing up his prototype.
Selected No. 11 by the Jets in the 2024 NFL draft, Fashanu is expected to assume the team’s third offensive tackle spot—with veteran Tyron Smith starting at left tackle and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Interestingly, this should serve the rookie well.
Remember, today’s brand of football is unlike decades past, which means offensive linemen don’t get the opportunity to learn in high school and college like they used to. It’s why a great majority of the best NFL offensive lines are veteran-led these days.
Malachi Corley is ready to contribute immediately
Jets’ third-round pick Malachi Corley was nowhere to be found once the minicamp began, but that was due to the camp’s format. Saleh split up the big heavies and skill players, first fielding the linemen while the skill players laid back in the facility (most likely working in the classroom).
Eventually, however, Corley emerged. Wearing No. 17—the number vacated once Garrett Wilson switched to No. 5—Corley joined his team in the pre-camp stretches.
Malachi Corley, No. 17, is sort of “put together.” He certainly looks the part. #Jets
Plus, Jordan Travis on the bike, with Douglas-Saleh with a meeting of the minds. pic.twitter.com/Zp3FjIutMS
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 3, 2024
The dude is put together. Let’s just leave it at that.
Eventually, Corley moved to the side with a coach or trainer, while the rest of the skill players broke out into positionals.
New York #Jets WR Malachi Corley … pic.twitter.com/L9ONXVjDWE
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 3, 2024
After day No. 1 of camp, Corley explained that he “loves football” and “loves life.” Better yet, he stated that he’s “ready to punish somebody” every time he gets his hands on the football.
.@corleymalachi on going down after making a catch:
"That ain't me." pic.twitter.com/ksyUe2bcbp
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 3, 2024
Miscellaneous notes
Quarterback Jordan Travis did not partake in any of the on-field festivities. Instead, he was spotted on the exercise bike for a chunk of the session.
There were six quarterbacks on the field for the Jets. The guy who looked the part best was Northwestern product Ben Bryant (No. 6).
With enough weight and solid weight, Bryant slung the ball in 7v7s to a pretty impressive degree. On one 7v7 rep, Bryant connected with wide receiver Taymon Cooke on a deep post for a 30+ yard gain.
Didn’t see Malachi Corley take part in 7v7s (check the beat members’ coverage on that, as I could have missed it), but it seemed to be a planned thing, as he worked off to the side.
The #Jets split up the skill guys and bigs, which makes sense (field and classroom), never…
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 3, 2024
Elsewhere, wide receiver Geordon Porter (No. 29) may have pulled off the catch of the day, an over-the-shoulder Willie Mays-style grab.
Day No. 2 of the New York Jets rookie minicamp is scheduled for Saturday, with OTAs beginning next week.
