Malachi Corley WR Western Kentucky | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Malachi Corley WR Western Kentucky
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.46 seconds (66%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2024 | |
| 40 time: 4.46 seconds (66%*) | |
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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| Overall Rating: | 86.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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69% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 116.3 | |
| Hands: |
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69% |
| Short Receiving: |
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79% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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82% |
| Deep Threat: |
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83% |
| Blocking: |
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59% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#50
Position rank:
#12
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| College Games: 43 College Snaps: 1907 | ||
247 RATING: 77/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.4 (89%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jayden Reed - Michigan State |
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78% |
| Kayshon Boutte - LSU |
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77% |
| Marvin Mims Jr. - Oklahoma |
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73% |
Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 65 (NYJ)
Draft Profile: Bio
Corley's high school career at Campbellsville HS was marked by versatility and dominance. He was a two-way player with staggering numbers: nearly 100 tackles as a cornerback and almost 1,900 scrimmage yards with 23 touchdowns as an offensive force during his junior year. Initially a cornerback recruit and rated as a two-star prospect, Corley transitioned to wide receiver upon enrolling at Western Kentucky. This move proved pivotal as he showcased his receiving prowess with 73 receptions for 691 yards and seven touchdowns in his second "freshman" season in 2021.
As a junior in 2022 he played 13 games and hauled in an outstanding 90 catches for 1168 yards for an average of 13.0 yards per catch, with 9 TDs, and a QB rating when targeted of 123.6.
As a senior in 2023 he played 11 games and made a 75 catches for 959 yards for an average of 12.8 yards per catch, 11 TDs, with a QB rating when targeted of 117.2.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 81. He wrote: "Corley, who arrived at WKU in the summer of COVID-19 at 193 pounds, is up to 220 on his 5-11 frame, looking more like a running back than your typical receiver. He’s hit 23 MPH on the GPS and clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash. His 4.08 shuttle time and 355-pound bench also are excellent."
- Corley is a terror in run-after-catch scenarios, exhibiting the ability to bulldoze through defenders with exceptional balance and vision.
- He demonstrates impressive hand skills, adept at securing catches away from his frame, which enhances his catch radius despite his size.
- His transition from defense to offense is evident in his play, showing a natural instinct once the ball is in his hands and success on schemed touches.
- Though he may not be an instant fit as a traditional receiver, his innate abilities suggest he can contribute immediately in a specialized role.
- Corley's 'YAC King' moniker is a reflection of his danger with the ball, combining physicality and balance to outmaneuver defenders.
- His background as a multi-positional high school player speaks to his adaptability and athletic prowess.
- His physical play style and aggression after the catch make him a matchup nightmare for defenders.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Transitioning to a more sophisticated NFL offense may require Corley to refine his route running and adapt his playstyle for more varied coverage schemes.
- His production at Western Kentucky might be slightly inflated due to the level of competition
- Ran only a limited route tree - will need to be a quick learner to not be left behind in complex pro offenses
- Given his size and expected pre-draft testing results, there are questions about his fit as an outside receiver versus a slot role in the NFL.
Scouting Report: Summary
Malachi Corley steps into the NFL with significant upside, marked by his dynamic playmaking at Western Kentucky. Known as the 'YAC King', his run-after-catch abilities and adaptability from cornerback to wide receiver are standout traits. These skills, coupled with his football acumen, suggest he can be an impactful offensive weapon in the NFL. However, his success hinges on adapting to the higher level of play, particularly in refining his route running to counter sophisticated NFL defenses.
His college success, while impressive, may not directly translate against tougher NFL defenses. His development needs include expanding his route tree and learning how to effectively disguise his routes. The transition from college to a more complex NFL system is critical, and his initial NFL role might be more limited, leveraging his strengths as a role player.
In essence, Corley's NFL journey will be defined by his adaptability and development. His natural talent and physical play style indicate he can contribute early on, likely in a specialized role. With focused development, particularly in technical aspects, Corley has the potential to grow from a targeted offensive weapon into a well-rounded NFL wide receiver.
Malachi Corley percentiles vs other Wide Receivers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Malachi Corley (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.