Malachi Corley still not really sure what will get him larger Jets role next season

Wide receiver Malachi Corley is in a tough spot.The Jets’ 2024 third-round pick wants to have a larger role on game day, but the rookie plays a position where the Jets already have several established options, including Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard.Corley understands his situation, but that doesn’t make it any easier to navigate, especially when he said he feels he’s being left in the dark regarding what exactly the Jets want him to improve on.Before Thursday’s practice, pass-game coordinator Todd Downing said Corley “certainly has gone through the season wanting more opportunities” and that he believes the 22-year-old is “learning to handle that in better and more mature ways.”“Our priority is winning games, not evaluation,” Downing said.“And so we’re going to do what we feel puts us in the best position to compete and win games.“Malachi has got a bright future in this league and he’s got a skill set that will eventually help teams win football games.

Right now, he’s fighting to get the scraps from Davante and G and Allen and so on.So I think he’s learning to be a pro.”In eight games, Corley has registered three catches for 16 yards and two rushes for 26 yards.

He should’ve had a 20-yard touchdown run in early November against the Texans had he not prematurely dropped the ball before entering the end zone — one of the many lowlights from a forgettable Jets season.Corley said he’s had “a lot to learn” this season and has been trying to make the most out of his reps in practice and work on the scout team.He said next time his name is called, he’ll be ready.“Really having to hone in on your work every day, coming to work as if you are the starter, as if you are the guy.

Because at any flip of the moment, you can go from playing no snaps to playing 50 plays in a single game,” Corley said.“So just staying prepared and mentally just being present every single day, taking the mental reps, being mind...