Malachi Corley thrives on the challenge when defenders attempt to tackle him. In such moments, the rookie wide receiver from the New York Jets is primed to counter with even greater force, persisting in his advance.
“I always strive to make progress with the ball,” stated Corley, the Jets’ third-round selection from Western Kentucky, during the team’s rookie minicamp. “And overpowering opponents is how I establish dominance.”
This assertive approach is why the Jets also acquired two robust running backs in the draft: Braelon Allen from Wisconsin in the fourth round and Isaiah Davis from South Dakota State in the fifth.
Coach Robert Saleh perceives players with this mindset as contagious. “Having that mentality, coupled with adding the two formidable backs, is contagious,” Saleh elaborated. “Bringing that physicality to the team, whether on the offensive line or elsewhere, aims to cultivate a pervasive quality throughout the entire organization.”
Corley’s impressive ability to absorb contact drew the Jets’ attention during the draft evaluation process, prompting Saleh and his team to consider how Corley’s presence could enhance the offense led by Aaron Rodgers.
“In moments when players often play it safe, he never steps out of bounds,” Saleh observed. “Those extra 1 or 2 yards, every yard counts. Frequently, runners will step out of bounds after an 8-yard gain on first-and-10. You’re thinking it’s second-and-2, but then it becomes third-and-1, and suddenly you’re punting. Instead, if you plant your foot and go vertical on first-and-10, now it’s first-and-10 again, and you have a fresh set of downs. That makes a significant difference in football.”
Corley is seen as a complement to Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Allen Lazard in the Jets’ passing game. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound wide receiver has drawn comparisons to San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel due to his similar size — Samuel is 6 feet tall and 215 pounds — and his dynamic style as a versatile playmaker.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Corley remarked on being likened to Samuel. “I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of my potential as a player. Yards after the catch come naturally to me. But I aspire to elevate my game beyond being labeled solely as a gadget player or a weapon.”
Corley may receive intensive training this offseason on excelling in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense from Rodgers. The two share business agents, and the four-time NFL MVP extended an invitation for Corley to stay in his guest house — an offer the rookie intends to accept.
“That’s going to be my main guy while I’m here,” Corley expressed with enthusiasm.
At just 20 years old, Allen was the youngest player drafted last weekend. However, he doesn’t exhibit the traits or play like a typical youngster.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 235 pounds, the running back made a significant impact at Wisconsin, accumulating 3,494 rushing yards and scoring 35 touchdowns in three seasons. Renowned for his tackle-breaking ability, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry throughout his college career, leveraging a blend of speed and strength.
“It’s always been my style of play,” Allen explained. “Being slightly larger than others was an advantage for me as a kid.” Drawing from his wrestling background, Allen learned about utilizing his strength, hand fighting, and mental toughness, skills he applied on the football field.
The Jets envision him as a potential complement to Breece Hall, whose agility enables him to maneuver outside and sprint downfield, while Allen specializes as a power runner between the tackles.
Similarly, Davis, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 220 pounds, played a pivotal role in South Dakota State’s consecutive FCS national championships. He amassed 4,458 rushing yards and scored 50 touchdowns, boasting an impressive average of 6.7 yards per carry in his four seasons with the Jackrabbits.
“I believe it’s about upholding a certain standard and playing with physicality,” Davis reflected. “Physical play has always been my approach. We emphasized it at SDSU, so I’ll continue that here, asserting dominance.”
He acknowledges that the NFL demands physicality, whether as a running back or on special teams, and he’s prepared to meet that challenge.
