Sophia
CLEVELAND, OH – Following the intense 53-man roster cutdown, the Cleveland Browns are strategically building their practice squad, and a familiar name with a catchy nickname is now in the fold. General Manager Andrew Berry has added former New York Jets third-round pick Malachi Corley, the self-proclaimed “YAC King,” to the practice squad, according to NFL Media reports. This move brings an intriguing, albeit unproven, talent to Cleveland, offering Corley a fresh start after a challenging rookie season.
From College Star to NFL Setback
Malachi Corley entered the NFL with significant fanfare, particularly from New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who reportedly favored him in the 2024 NFL Draft class. During his collegiate career at Western Kentucky, Corley was a prolific pass-catcher, living up to his “YAC King” moniker (Yards After Catch). In 2022, he hauled in an impressive 101 passes for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns. He followed that up with another strong season in 2023, recording 79 receptions for 984 yards and 11 scores.
However, Corley’s rookie season in the NFL was a stark contrast to his college success. In nine games with the Jets, he managed just three receptions for 16 yards and added two rushes for 26 yards. His season was unfortunately highlighted by a costly mistake during a Halloween primetime matchup against the Houston Texans, where he fumbled the ball before crossing the goal line for an easy touchdown. In total, Corley played 83 offensive snaps and eight special teams snaps for the Jets.
Addressing Concerns and Seeking a Fresh Start
According to ESPN, Jets coaches had concerns regarding Corley’s route-running precision and, notably, his maturity. These factors likely contributed to his limited playing time and eventual departure from the 53-man roster. For Corley, the move to Cleveland represents a much-needed change of scenery and an opportunity to address these areas of his game.
The Browns’ wide receiver room is a competitive one, featuring established talents like Jerry Jeudy, along with promising young players such as Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and Isaiah Bond. Corley will face an uphill battle to earn a spot on the active roster, but the practice squad provides him with a valuable platform to hone his skills, learn the Browns’ system, and prove his potential. This signing, along with other practice squad additions like former Patriots first-round offensive lineman Cole Strange, indicates the Browns’ commitment to developing talent and maintaining depth across their roster.
Opportunity Knocks for the “YAC King”
For Malachi Corley, the journey to becoming a productive NFL receiver is far from over. The Browns are offering him a lifeline, an opportunity to reset and demonstrate the playmaking ability that made him a college standout. His self-proclaimed “YAC King” title suggests a player who thrives with the ball in his hands, a trait that could ultimately find a role in the Browns’ offensive scheme. The coming months will be crucial for Corley as he works to refine his game and earn his place in the NFL.
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