Malachi Corley (WR) – Western Kentucky / Junior
5’10”, 215 Lbs. (Senior Bowl)
2022 Stats: 14 Games, 101 Rec, 1295 YDS, 12.8 YPRec, 11 TDs
2023 Stats: 12 Games, 79 Rec, 984 YDS, 12.5 YPRec, 11 TDs
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/malachi-corley-1.html}
Awards: #1 Receptions CUSA (2022); #1 Receiving Yards CUSA (2022); #1 Receiving TDs CUSA (2022); #2 Yards From Scrimmage CUSA (2022); #3 Touchdowns From Scrimmage CUSA (2022); #3 TDs CUSA (2022)
Measurables: (Available post-combine/pro day)
RAS: (Available post-combine/pro day)
Games Watched: 2023 Vs. Ohio St., 2023 Vs. LA Tech
PRO’S
“YAC KING”, Corley’s 8.6 yards after catch per reception is in 2023 was #1 amongst all draft eligible WRs, his 683 total yards after catch comes in as 2nd highest amongst all draft eligible WRs. Corley’s average depth of target in 2023 was 5.5 yards and he still managed a stellar 2.78 yards per route run. Strength, very good against the press. Quick feet at the LOS, good releases. Corley does a great job of finishing runs with power, he is a handful to try and take down in the open field. Corley is an offensive weapon, utilized in the run game, the screen game and as a WR1. Corley thrived even with opponents knowing he will be the focal point of his offense’s attack. On multiple occasions, Corley bailed his QB out by securing bad throws by snatching the ball well outside of his frame.
CON’S
Corley was used as a weapon which is a testament to his athletic skill but ultimately limited his experience at the receiver position. Corley will need to become more than an athlete at the next level to be a multi dimensional threat. As much as Corley puts a beating on defenders when running after the catch, I question how long he will be able to sustain that style of play and remain healthy. Will struggle in jump ball situations due to lack of size. Corley plays at a high speed but I don’t see an extra gear to create separation at the next level.
OVERALL
As the draft approaches, there will be more and more analysts making the comparison between Corley and Deebo, rightfully so. Deebo and Corley have similar measurables (Corley – 5 ’10”, 215 Lbs./Deebo – 5’11”, 214 Lbs.) and both have a rare combination of quickness and physicality. I think Corley is best suited joining an offense with a high end X WR1 who will demand double teams. This will allow Corley to exploit mismatches while working the middle of the field, short/intermediate routes, where he thrives as YAC receiver.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 02/02/24
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 02/02/24
