Malachi Corley NFL Draft Overview
Playmaker. The definition of an NFL playmaker is simple: a player who makes big-time plays in big-time moments. Whether it’s an interception, a sack, or a touchdown, you need playmakers to change games and win championships. That said, few players in the 2024 NFL draft are better in that department than Malachi Corley. Corley was a two-star cornerback recruit out of Campbellsville, Kentucky, who was committed to Western Kentucky.
As a Hilltopper, Corley switched positions to wide receiver, and a star was born. Corley’s first year as a full-time starter, he exploded for 101 catches, 1295 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. Even more impressive, Corley had 975 YARDS AFTER CONTACT. He was a man among little boys, showing his dominance physically. In his last year at Western Kentucky, Corley amassed 79 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He has an impressive size, Speed, and strength combination that is hard to match. However, will Corley get a first-round grade? Let’s dig into the film!
Position: Wide Receiver
Age: 21 years old
Height: 5’10 (Unofficial)
Weight: 215 lbs (Unofficial)
School: Western Kentucky
Malachi Corley Player Evaluation
Corley’s Strengths
- Great size for his style of play. He is built like an NFL RB with his thick frame and build.
- It is a sight for sore eyes for defensive players in the secondary.
- Defenders in the film look afraid to tackle him head-on—those who aren’t get run over by his impressive strength and balance.
- Has good breakaway speed. He easily pulls from defenders in the open field and can hit the home run.
- He has good hands and a catch radius. He can catch outside his frame and make routine catches. Trust his hands.
- Great production vs smaller competition. A man among boys treatment.
- He has legitimate NFL speed to stretch the defense.
Corley’s Weakness
- He is raw as a route runner and needs lots of refinement in this area of his game.
- He has to scheme open, or they will get shut down by better corners at the NFL level.
- Doesn’t have much experience as a Wide Receiver converting from multiple positions.
- The route tree is minimal, consisting mainly of screens and other short routes.
- Occasionally ran deep routes such as Gos and post routes.
- Not aware of recognizing coverage sitting in zones and soft spots of coverage.
- He only works for some teams, which may cause the draft to slide.
Projection: Second Round Pick
NFL Comparison: Golden Tate
Best Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and the Washington Commanders.
Bottom Line
Malachi Corley is a day-one impact gadget playmaking Wide Receiver with the ability and work ethic to improve. Corley was a fun prospect to watch as he demonstrated elite size, speed, and strength for his play style. He has excellent hands when making difficult catches and has earned the “YAC God” title. My NFL pro Comparison was the Raw version of Golden Tate. Like Tate, Corley is a playmaker, and WR is built like a Running back. Both have great hands and were very productive college Wide Receivers. Tate was a better route runner, but Corley has shown flashes of route-running ability. Like Tate, I expect Corley to work hard and become a valuable NFL receiver.
Main Photo: [Jim Dedmon] – USA Today Sports
