Malik Taylor has a chance to step up for the New York Jets
Injuries are never a good thing in the NFL. However, they do give other players chances to showcase their talent.
Unfortunately, during Thursday’s practice, second-year wide receiver Xavier Gipson limped off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. On Friday, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh revealed, “Gipson is going to be a week or two.”
This opens the door for sixth-year receiver Malik Taylor. Taylor received some snaps with the first-team offense, and he showed why he should compete for a spot on the Jets’ depth chart.
On Friday, the 28-year-old receiver made a leaping catch over rookie cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers on a 50+ yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor. The veteran wideout received another touchdown from Aaron Rodgers on a five-yard slant.
Unreal catch by Malik Taylor in 7v7. Nice touch by Tyrod Taylor deep, 50+ for the haul in the end zone. A little under thrown, initial separation, but Taylor went up and snagged it from the recovering DB (didn’t see who the DB was). #Jets
Perhaps not exactly a “mossed him” but…
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) July 26, 2024
Can Taylor crack the Jets’ 53-man roster?
Taylor was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2019 NFL draft. Taylor only spent a few weeks with the Bucs before he was waived, and two months later, he was picked up by the Green Bay Packers.
Although Taylor joined the Jets before Aaron Rodgers arrived, he did play four seasons with the veteran quarterback. Taylor was with the Green Bay Packers from July 2019 until he was waived in September 2022. Three months later, he was signed to the Jets practice squad.
During his time with the Packers, Taylor appeared in 25 games, catching seven passes for 80 yards and one touchdown. Taylor had a larger role on special teams, playing 313 snaps in that phase.
Taylor made some noise throughout training camp last summer, prompting him to earn a spot on the Jets practice squad. Taylor was elevated to the 53-man roster for three games, where he recorded two catches for 13 yards. He also drew a 30-yard pass interference in overtime against the Giants in Week 8, setting up a game-winning field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
If Taylor wants to earn himself a roster spot, he must continue to capitalize on opportunities.
Taylor has earned the respect of Rodgers and the Jets coaching staff. With Gipson going down, it is very important to recognize that Taylor picked up the majority of the snaps rather than first-year wide receiver Malachi Corley. When coach Saleh addressed the media following Friday’s practice, he said Corley still has “a long way to go” with his route running before he can become a centerpiece of the Jets offense.
This might not be the news some Jets fans wanted to hear, as some have high expectations for Corley in year one. With that being said, Taylor might currently rank ahead of Corley on the depth chart.
At this point, I would not rule Taylor out from earning a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster. With first-team snaps heading Taylor’s way, this is definitely a step in the right direction for the Ferris State product.
With Gipson sidelined for another one to two weeks, Taylor will look to continue capitalizing on every opportunity that comes his way.
