Much is made of how preseason football technically doesn’t count. Tell that to the players, coaches and NFL teams that are attempting to establish continuity ahead of a grueling regular season. For clubs like the New York Jets, the three-game August stretch is critical.
That trickles throughout the roster, too. Several Jets players have job security and potential 2025-26 snaps on the line this preseason. On the offensive side of the ball, the wide receiver room could easily see some changes as the 53-man roster slowly takes shape. Young wideout Malachi Corley is a prime example of someone whose fall could go either way depending on how summer ends.
That’s precisely what Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes. In his August 4 story, he listed seven players who have the “most at stake” during the preseason. Naturally, Corley made the cut.
Analyst Emphasizes Importance of 2025 Preseason for Malachi Corley
Moton thinks the Jets need a “high-upside player to emerge within their receiver unit.” Could that someone be Corley? There’s still a case to be made, although it isn’t based on what he did a year ago.
“As a third-round pick from the 2024 draft, Malachi Corley should fit the description, but he needs to stay on the field and produce in the preseason,” Moton wrote. “In his rookie campaign, Corley only caught three passes for 16 yards, and his most notable play resulted in a fumble out of the end zone because he let the ball go before crossing the goal line. Head coach Aaron Glenn sees the potential in Corley, but he also noted the wideout’s spotty availability this offseason.”
It’s safe to say Corley’s debut campaign didn’t go how many expected. In his final two collegiate seasons at Western Kentucky, he established himself as a premier post-catch threat with wiggle and juice in the athleticism department. After going to New York in the third round of the NFL Draft, he managed to play in just nine games and log 83 offensive snaps as a rookie.
In those outings, Corley was targeted only six times. His 3 catches for 16 yards and an almost-touchdown didn’t help the Jets’ offense even a bit. There’s very little available in terms of advanced stats, either. Pro Football Focus, for example, doesn’t even list Corley as a qualified player to receive 2024-25 grades.
With that in mind, Corley knows he must rebound this year. If he doesn’t, his job very well could be at risk. He wasn’t a pick from the current regime, so loyalty isn’t as much of a factor. Despite being only 23 years old, this could be a make-or-break preseason.
Where Does Corley Fall in Jets’ Current Receiver Room?
There isn’t a huge barrier to entry for Corley to get snaps. Should he execute at a high level and stay healthy, the rest will take care of itself. Justin Fields being under center instead of Aaron Rodgers eliminates a bit of roster politics as well.
As far as the receivers themselves are concerned, Garrett Wilson is the unquestioned top dog. The Jets rewarded him with a high-value contract extension to acknowledge such. For the No. 2 job alongside or opposite him, the prime contenders right now are Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard. Reynolds is a veteran with years of experience. Lazard is, too, but even his background with New York may not be enough to earn him the nod. Reynolds is the clubhouse favorite entering the preseason.
There’s a very clear drop-off in tier after that trio. Corley is right in the thick of a group that also contains names like Tyler Johnson and rookie Arian Smith. Considering Corley is just one year removed from a true prospect pedigree and with his ability to create with the football in his hands, he’s one or two quality preseason games away from earning priority reps. That’s the Jets’ hope.
If one thing is being made clear with Aaron Glenn at head coach, though, it’s that roles must be earned. Corley isn’t owed anything by the team. That’s where the oh-so-clear downside a potential preseason shortcoming factors in. The pressure is on him to prove those who originally drafted him right to those who decided to keep him around now.
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