Malachi Corley Injury History & Updates

Bottom Line

Corley was a fun college player.

He dominated as a short-range, broken-tackle specialist. The raw numbers were unquestionably impressive.

While we have concerns over his one-note profile, there’s a defined path to earning slot snaps – and designed targets – for an Aaron Rodgers offense.

Corley’s in the mix as a late-round pick and WR6/7 stash.

What We Learned Last Year

• Corley produced eye-popping numbers at Western Kentucky.
  • From 2021-2023, he tallied 253 catches, 2,970 yards, and 29 TDs.
  • He hit 100+ targets in all three campaigns.
  • Most impressively, Corley flashed as an after-catch asset. He forced 77 missed tackles over that stretch – second most in the country, per ESPN.
• Corley’s usage was lopsided, though.
  • Rarely used downfield, the 5’11, 210-pounded tallied a career aDOT of only 6.3 yards.
  • 51.4% of his career catches came on screens.
• Corley suffered a foot fracture in high school, but he exits college without a notable injury.

What to Expect in 2024

• The Jets used a Round 3 pick on Corley, trading up to land him.
  • He was drafted as the WR12 in a loaded class.
• He joins a WR corps with question marks beyond target hog Garrett Wilson.
• Mike Williams signed a one-year deal.
  • His resume includes a pair of 1,000-yard seasons. However, he's coming off a Week 3 ACL tear, so it's no guarantee he reaches pre-injury form.
• Allen Lazard remains under contract, but he’s coming off an ugly 23-311-1 campaign.
• The rest of the depth chart lacks competiton for Corley’s slot role.
• Aaron Rodgers called Corley his “favorite” rookie WR in May.
  • “Now, he might not have been the best on paper in the draft,” Rodgers said, “but I really felt like he was going to fit in with what we’re trying to do -- his mindset, his ferocity.”
• Corley’s ‘24 upside is directly tied to the health of Rodgers, who’s coming off a Week 1 Achilles tear. He’s on track to be 100% for the opener.
• Corley brings the potential to contribute as a returner.