Malachi Corley is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft after rising up draft boards from an amazing Senior Bowl week. What would your NFL team be getting with the junior wideout from Western Kentucky.
Physical Profile:
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 215
HAND: 9⅛"
ARM: 32⅛"
WINGSPAN: 75½"
Malachi Corley did not participate in any NFL Combine events, likely due to his rising draft stock following the Senior Bowl. At his pro day, Corley ran a 4.45 second 40 yard dash and posted a 4.22 second 20 yard shuttle.
So with some numbers in mind, what are Corley's strengths and weaknesses?
Weaknesses:
Route running is basic, currently lacks the full route tree to play at all three wideout positions in an NFL offense
Faced below average defensive competition at Western Kentucky
Played an outside receiver role in college, will need to be willing and able to transition to a slot receiver role to stick around on an NFL roster
Size profile limits ability for contested catches against NFL corners
Strengths:
Corley is elite at creating yards after the catch
Extremely physical at the line of scrimmage
Good as a run blocker, especially for his size
Runs with the vision of an elite running back with the ball in his hands
Top draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said this about Corley:
"Corley is a compact, physical slot receiver with outstanding run-after-the-catch ability. He lives on quick hitters, with an average depth of target of 6.1 yards in 2023."
Projection:
Corley had 11 touchdowns in each of his last two seasons at Western Kentucky, and no matter the knocks on him, Corley found a way to find the end zone. Corley will have to adjust to NFL speed and the size of NFL corners, but his vision as a ball carrier and his ability to create in the open field will be an incredible draw for any NFL offense. While this projection is a little gaudy, Corley has the skills to translate into an elite NFL wide receiver if he's put in the right environment.
NFL comparison: Deebo Samuel
NFL team fit: Los Angeles Rams