Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, with plenty of talent still remaining on the board heading into Day 2.
Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley was one of the top playmakers in the country during his college career. Corley has been called the “YAC King,” and for good reason — he led the nation in total yards after completion and YAC per reception in 2022 (min. 80 targets).
The 22-year-old Corley is on his way to the 2024 NFL Draft, where he could be a dream pick for one lucky offensive coordinator.
Update: Malachi Corley was drafted No. 65 overall by the New York Jets, who traded up (from the Carolina Panthers) to select the WR.
Malachi Corley’s Draft Stock
Corley grades out as a top-64 prospect in this class and could field top-50 consideration from teams needing a weapon at the WR position.
Corley was a two-star prospect coming out of high school and ended up committing to the Hilltoppers. Initially recruited as a cornerback, he moved to wide receiver before his first game.
As a freshman, Corley played in nine games, catching six passes for 75 yards. In 2021, he caught 73 passes for 691 yards and seven touchdowns. Then, in 2022, Corley truly had his breakout season — corralling in 101 receptions for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games.
Corley then caught 79 more passes for 984 yards and 11 more touchdowns as a senior in 2023. He was a first-team All-CUSA selection in both 2022 and 2023.
Corley had one of the lowest average depth of targets in college football over the past two years for one reason: The Hilltoppers just wanted the ball in his hands.
Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings said Corley is essentially a running back playing the WR position. At around 5’10” and 215 pounds, Corley has an incredibly unique frame at WR, granting him hyper-elite contact balance and strength after the catch.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Malachi Corley
“Corley weaponizes his frame with bristling speed and explosiveness, relentless physicality, and vision while engaging his blocks,” Cummings wrote. “At Western Kentucky, he was utilized in many different ways — on screens, swings, sweep motions, drag routes, slants, and even out of the backfield as an RB.
“The main drawback with Corley is this: He’s a weapon first and a wide receiver second. He still has a lot of room to expand his route tree and learn how to separate independently, particularly at the intermediate level. Although he has strong hands, his lack of length can be an issue in contested situations.”
Potential Day 2 Landing Spots for Corley
Baltimore Ravens
Corley is at his best when he’s on the move before the snap, and Baltimore is a place that would put him in motion often. He’s built like a running back and excels after the catch.
Derrick Henry fills the need at RB, but the Ravens could use another long-term WR option alongside Zay Flowers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers addressed one of their biggest needs after landing Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu in the first round.
Entering Day 2, Pittsburgh still has a need at wide receiver. There’s a void after the trade of Diontae Johnson, and Pittsburgh has shown interest in Corley after their wide receivers coach attended Western Kentucky’s Pro Day and the team hosted him for a pre-draft visit.
Philadelphia Eagles
A new WR3 with speed and reliable hands could be valuable for the Eagles. While the team just locked up A.J. Brown, they’ll need a few more pieces on offense to truly be among the league’s elite.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Picks by Team
The Eagles’ production after the catch substantially dropped in 2023. Corley could provide a spark to Philadelphia’s RPO and screen games while he further develops his route running.
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