5-time Pro Bowl WR calls NY Jets’ Corley ‘the steal of the draft’

Malachi Corley was previously labeled the future “steal of the draft” by a former star wideout

Way before the New York Jets selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, a former star wide receiver was very high on Malachi Corley.

In a clip on his X (Formerly Twitter) account from February, Steve Smith Sr. chose Corley as his “steal of the draft.”

“Best player on his team. He got that dog in him, too,” said Smith Sr.

My steal of the #NFLDraft…. @CorleyMalachi #WesternKentucky #WesternKentuckyUniversity pic.twitter.com/CbYve9R0CJ

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 14, 2024

While Smith Sr. did acknowledge Corley playing against worse competition than other players, he said that the Western Kentucky product dominated that competition, and doubled down on his “steal of the draft” stance.

Corely is a highly unique talent for the Jets, and Smith Sr. was not the only one who saw his potential.

NFL Network’s Peter Schrager said that Corley is known as the “YAC King” and will win multiple Good Morning Football “Angry Run” awards.

Jets fans and @KyleBrandt — text from a rival GM on Jets 2nd round pick Malachi Corley: “He will win multiple @GMFB angry runs this year…just watch.”

THE YAC KING. Fun player to talk about in the pre-draft process; ends up with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams in NYJ.

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 27, 2024

SNY’s Connor Hughes said an offensive coordinator gave Corely a “Deebo Samuel” ceiling as a player.

“Treats every play like it’s his last. Elite separation. Bull in a china shop. Said goal has to be to get him the ball. Do that, and good things happen.”

There is no question that Corley has a high ceiling. He has the burst, athleticism, and strength to be a weapon with the ball in his hands.

At the end of the day, Corley has all of the tools to thrive at the NFL level. If he is able to quickly find his niche in an Aaron Rodgers-led Jets offense, he has a chance to make good on Smith Sr.’s claim that he will be the steal of the draft.

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