The NY Jets clearly have high hopes for rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley. That much was made abundantly clear in the team’s obvious and persistent pursuit of the former Western Kentucky wideout.

The Jets made Corley their top priority on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up to the top of the third round to secure him. They have high expectations for Corley not just as a long-term piece of the offense but as someone who can step in and immediately contribute as a rookie.

Evidently, the Jets aren’t the only ones who feel that way. The 33rd Team recently released a list of six non-Round 1 rookies who “landed in perfect situations.” Corley was among those listed.

The consensus is that Corley has landed in a situation where he should have the opportunity to contribute at a high level right away. It’s a situation that also highlights his strengths as a player.

6️⃣ players taken after Round 1 that should hit the ground running as rookies 🏃‍♂️

✍️ @NFLDraftStudy pic.twitter.com/hafD33YHE3

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 30, 2024

The Jets drafted Corley with the 65th overall pick in this year’s draft. The team spent the majority of Day 2 attempting to trade up for him, finally finding a partner in the Carolina Panthers.

A text exchange between general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh released after Day 2 of the draft revealed that Corley was the Jets’ top target all along. It was Malachi Corley — no matter what.

It’s easy to see why the Jets fell in love with the so-called YAC king. Corley made a living as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football over the last few seasons.

Corley’s 2,068 yards after the catch between 2021 and 2023 are over 400 yards more than any other player in the FBS. That includes a ridiculous 1,658 yards after the catch over the last two years combined. Yes, that’s yards after the catch.

The 22-year-old was a high-volume target as the focal point of Western Kentucky’s offense, and while his role will obviously decrease in the NFL, he still has the potential to be a key piece in the Jets’ receiving game.

Corley perfectly complements the skill sets of Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, giving Aaron Rodgers a target underneath in the short passing game. Ideally, he could function similarly to how prime Randall Cobb did for Rodgers years ago.

Corley also finds himself in a situation where he will be expected to play early in his career. Right now, he’s the de facto WR3 over Allen Lazard and the likes of Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee. Corley projects as the Jets’ day-one starter slot receiver if all goes according to plan.

The opportunity is there, the fit is there, and the talent is there. Malachi Corley could be primed for a very productive rookie season with the Jets,