Rodgers really wanted the Jets to draft Corley
On the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft, the NY Jets made it their mission to select Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. The organization worked nonstop that night to try and negotiate a trade-up for the gifted wide out.
Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh ultimately delivered on their vow to take Corley “no matter what,” climbing to the top of the third round to choose a player they highly value. It turns out that there were other people high on Corley besides Douglas and Saleh.
In a recent interview, Aaron Rodgers called Corley his “favorite receiver in the draft,” according to the Official Jets Podcast. Though Corley was chosen as the 12th wide receiver overall in this year’s draft, he immediately became Rodgers’ favorite.
“Now, [Malachi Corley] might not have been the best on paper in the draft, but I really felt like he was going to fit in with what we’re trying to do — his mindset, his ferocity.”
– Aaron Rodgers
Since the Jets selected Corley, Aaron Rodgers has only had positive things to say about the rookie. Less than a week after the selection, Rodgers even extended an offer to the rookie to temporarily reside in his guest house. Over the past few days, the two have already started to get close.
Aaron Rodgers really wanted the NY Jets to draft Malachi Corley
Corley made a living as a YAC specialist at Western Kentucky, racking up more than 2,000 yards after the catch over the last three seasons. That’s over 400 yards more than any other player at the FBS level during that timeframe.
While there have been some questions about his overall route tree and NFL readiness, the Jets believe in his potential and anticipate an immediate rookie contribution from him. It appears that Rodgers has similar aspirations.
As a prospect, Rodgers’ infatuation with Corley probably made the Jets more willing to take a chance on the former collegiate great. To appease their star quarterback, the Jets tried their best.
Being the team’s anticipated starting slot receiver, Corley is expected to push for playing time as a rookie. He will have competition from 2023 free-agent addition Allen Lazard for snaps as the Jets’ third wide receiver (WR), behind Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson.
Although Corley was passed over in the draft in favor of eleven other wide receivers, one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history took notice of him. This was definitely an Aaron Rodgers selection.
