Malachi Corley has a long way to go, per Robert Saleh
Training camp is a place where players fine-tune their skills in order to be ready for the upcoming season. And for New York Jets rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley, it’s a perfect opportunity to alleviate some concerns about his game.
Speaking to the media on Friday, head coach Robert Saleh suggested that Corley still has “a long way to go” in terms of his route running, which may be somewhat concerning for fans to hear.
Malachi Corley still has a “long way to go” with his route running, Robert Saleh said. The next two weeks will be good for him because he’ll see extra reps with Xavier Gipson hurt (leg injury). #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 26, 2024
In college, Corley was not known for his route running prowess. Instead, he was known for his ability as playmaker. Billed as the “YAC King” Corley excelled in space with the ball in his hands. However, the NFL is a different animal in terms of the schemes, speed, and recognition of opposing defenses.
Considering that Corley excelled at a smaller school against lesser competition, proving he can thrive in multiple roles will be a necessity if he wishes to succeed in the NFL. While there are already concerns about Corley’s odds of success based on his non-early declare status and player profile in college, there could be some room for hope.
Wide receiver Xavier Gipson is expected to miss multiple weeks with a leg injury. Gipson, who showed some explosiveness as a playmaker last season for the Jets, is the primary thorn in Corley’s ability to see the field. With the Jets’ second-year wide receiver now unavailable, it provides the opportunity for Corley to improve as a route runner, something Saleh alluded to.
“With Xavier being down for a week or so, it’s going to be a great opportunity for [Corley] to get a lot of reps over the next couple weeks,” Saleh said on Friday. “It’s gonna be on him to put in the extra work, which he does, and find a way to get better every single day.”
Fortunately for Corley, he’ll have a future Hall of Fame quarterback in his ear.
Aaron Rodgers talks about coaching up Malachi Corley and Garrett Wilson at practice: pic.twitter.com/bNgCkfg9M6
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 24, 2024
On top of the tutelage of Rodgers, Corley will also have help from Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Wilson, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, should be an excellent example for Corley to model his work ethic after. Meanwhile, Lazard should be able to help Corley understand his assignments within a Rodgers-led offense.
With that type of mentorship in his corner, the stage could be set for Corley to pleasantly surprise this season.
