The Jets didn’t address wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft, opting instead for offensive tackle insurance.
But in doing so, they set themselves up to fill the aforementioned need a day later.
With a fifth-round pick they obtained in moving down a spot on Thursday night, the Jets moved up seven spots in the third round on Friday, enabling them to select Western Kentucky wideout Malachi Corley.
Corley is not a big receiver at 5-foot-11, but he’s quick, powerful and elusive.
Hence, the “YAC King” nickname — as in yards after catch — he was given in college.
“The biggest strength in my game is yards after the catch. I think that’s my calling card, I think I do it better than anyone else,” the Orange City, Fla. native said over zoom shortly after the Jets drafted him. “When I get the ball in my hands, I can make special plays happen. I can take a two-yard bubble screen 20 or 30 yards if I have to. It’s a staple of my game, just being strong and powerful and playing the game like that, is how I’ve always done it.”
Joked Jets coach Robert Saleh: “[If he] had a relative at the goal line, he’s going to run him over, too.”
The Jets attempted to trade up into the second round, but couldn’t find any takers, according to general manager Joe Douglas.
They, instead, landed the first pick of the third round, making a deal with the Panthers — the Jets sent them No. 72 and No. 157 (fifth round) for No. 65.
They used the pick on Corley, a player the team felt fits a need in its wide receiver room alongside star Garrett Wilson and newcomer Mike Williams, among others.
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Saleh wouldn’t commit to Corley playing in the slot, though that was where he was mostly used by Western Kentucky.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers approved of the move, texting Saleh shortly after the pick he was excited. Told of that, Corley said: “Oh my God, it’s unbelievable. That’s a testament of the work ethic and everything I’ve put into my game, knowing that someone who has played this game at the highest level for over a decade sees me in that same light.”
“We’re juiced, man,” Douglas added.
Recruited as a cornerback out of high school, he became a star for Western Kentucky, catching 29 touchdown passes the last three seasons while hauling in 253 receptions for 2,968 yards. Corley isn’t a blazer — he ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
But that didn’t stop him from posting impressive numbers.
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This past season, the All-Conference USA first team selection had eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown in a loss to powerhouse Ohio State.
“He’s elite with the ball in his hands. He’s an angry runner. Obviously, he’s called the YAC King. He’s deserving of it,” Saleh said. “He’s got some things to work on for sure, but at the same time, we love his mindset, we love his style of play. He’s going to bring an added element that we don’t have. He’s a guy we’re excited to get in the building.”
After a huge 2022 season, Corley had the opportunity to play at a higher level by entering the transfer portal.
He declined a big pay day — Corley was offered as much as $400,000 to leave, he said — and helped Western Kentucky win eight games, including a victory in the Famous Toastery Bowl over Old Dominion.
Friday night, he became the Hilltoppers’ highest draft pick since 2017, when offensive guard Forrest Lamp was chosen in the second round by the Chargers.
“If you’re good enough,” he said, “they’ll always come and find you.”