New York Jets rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley already has a big fan in quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets traded up to take Corley at No. 65 overall, the first pick of the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Western Kentucky product was the 12th wide receiver chosen.
However, Corley was also Rodgers’ “favorite” wideout in the draft, the quarterback shared during a recent interview with the Official Jets Podcast.
“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.”
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Corley was a first-team All-Conference USA selection each of the last two seasons. He caught 79 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023.
In 2022, Corley hauled in 101 receptions for 1,295 yards and 11 scores. For his career, he registered 29 touchdown receptions.
A YAC monster with the ball in his hands, Corley said he’s been communicating with Rodgers since being drafted last month.
“I’m just like a little kid,” Corley said. “He’s the adult, he’s the MVP, the Hall of Famer, all those types of things. I’m like a little kid talking to him all the time, trying to see what he’s done to stay consistent in the league.”