FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malachi Corley

Malachi Corley (WR – Western Kentucky)

5’11” – 210 lbs.

Background:

Two-star recruit who was originally set to play cornerback, but ended up converting to receiver prior to his freshman season, in which he caught six passes. Took over the team’s starting slot role the following year and has been highly productive ever since, with 73-684-7 (9.4) in 2021, 101-1,282-11 (12.7) in 2022, and 75-959-11 (12.8) as of the time of writing.

Positives:

Has been highly productive for the past three years. Thick receiver with a strong build. Was a major focal point of the team’s offense, with a lot of screens and shorter routes. Quick accelerator with some violence to his movements. Doesn’t let contact knock him off his path as a route-runner. Runs pretty crisp routes with clean steams. Good salesman who can execute fakes effectively. Shows good concentration to come down with passes in tight coverage and through contact. Has offered a very reliable pair of hands prior to this season, dropping less than five percent of catchable balls over his career. Shows some ability to bring in tough throws away from his frame. Survives contact well because of his compact frame and overall toughness. Able to run through some arm tackles and get physical with defensive backs. Knows when to lower his shoulder and barrel ahead for a few extra yards. The team really tried to scheme him touches on jet sweeps, screens, shallows, and other such plays.

Negatives:

Production is somewhat padded by a high rate of screens and other easy throws. Most of the routes he runs are within ten yards of the line of scrimmage, and may not have ideal deep speed. Route tree itself was pretty simple. Struggled to gain separation on slot fades during the games reviewed. Doesn’t look like the most flexible or agile receiver in the class. Doesn’t present his quarterback with the biggest target. Looked strong in traffic during the games reviewed, but has caught just over a quarter of contested catches. Drop issues started to creep up a bit this year, although he was highly reliable before that.

Summary:

A violent bowling-ball of a slot receiver, whose compact build and tough, physical style of play led the team to work in a ton of screens and jet sweeps to get him the ball and let him bully defensive backs. Not the biggest, fastest, or most flexible receiver, but one who teams could fall in love with because of the nastiness that he brings. Will have to diversify his route tree at the next level, but high-end production over the past few years could get him into the second day.

Projection: Round 3