Malachi Corley is a wide receiver prospect from Western Kentucky University. The former Hilltopper is expected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently No. 23 overall (WR11) on our 2024 Dynasty Rookie Rankings & SuperFlex Big Board. He will likely be a second or early-third-round pick in fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts.
Check out our Fantasy Stock Watch for our 2024 Rookie Draft Profiles and Scouting Reports.
MALACHI CORLEY DRAFT PROFILE AND FANTASY FOOTBALL VALUE
- As a High School Prospect: Composite 2-Star, 3099 nationally (CB 269!)
- Skillset & Traits: Malachi Corley, a robust slot receiver with a physique similar to a running back, excels in short and intermediate route running. Renowned for his dynamic playmaking abilities, particularly after the catch, leading his class in yards after catch per reception since 2022. With strong and dependable hands, Corley adds reliability to his explosive skill set. Despite primarily running a limited route tree at WKU, consisting mainly of the quick game, his potential to expand his repertoire is evident.
- Production: Corley completed his four-year career at WKU with 259 receptions for 3,035 yards and 29 touchdowns.
- NFL Combine Results: Height: 5-11 Weight: 215 lbs — Corley did not test at the NFL Combine
MALACHI CORLEY SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- Strong and sturdy slot receiver, built like a RB
- Great short and intermediate route runner and uses quickness to get open
- Dynamic and physical after the catch, led the class in YAC/reception (9.2) since 2022 #YACKing
- Strong and reliable hands (<5% drop rate)
- Can get vertical down the seam
- Has skill set to improve route tree after being recruited as a CB
- Elite three-year production, highlighted by 8-88-1 vs Ohio State
WEAKNESSES:
- Limited route tree at WKU with mostly screens, slants, RPOs, and shallow crossers
- Lowest aDOT in this WR class over the last two seasons (5.8)
- Will be limited to the slot in the NFL (85.8% slot snaps)
- Faced weak competition, but balled out vs P5 competition
MALACHI CORLEY PRODUCTION PROFILE
Malachi Corley, during his tenure with the Hilltoppers spanning four seasons and 49 games, demonstrated remarkable consistency and production, amassing 3,033 yards and 29 touchdowns on 259 receptions. His prowess on the field was highlighted by breaking Western Kentucky’s career receptions record and securing a place among the program’s top-tier receivers in touchdown receptions and receiving yards.
In his final season, Corley showcased his skills with an impressive tally of 984 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions, including a career-best 207-yard performance against Louisiana Tech. Notably, his exceptional third year in 2022 saw him emerge as one of the nation’s premier receivers, ranking fourth in receiving yards (1,295) and in receptions (101) while leading in yards after catch (975) and missed tackles forced (40).
Despite operating primarily on quick hitters and screens within Western Kentucky’s offensive system, Corley’s explosiveness down the seam and adeptness in evading defenders make him a threat in open space. He’s elite after the catch, with an impressive 1,658 YAC, constituting a significant portion of his overall receiving yardage since 2022.
While Corley may rank lower on some Big Boards due to his limited route tree that’s heavily skewed toward screens and short-yardage plays, his consistent productivity and ability to maximize yardage after the catch underscore his potential impact at the next level.
As he transitions to the NFL, Corley’s track record of success and dynamic skill set position him as a player who can thrive and evolve within diverse offensive schemes.
MALACHI CORLEY NFL COMBINE & RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE (RAS)
Malachi Corley did not test at the 2024 NFL Combine.
BOTTOM LINE
The YAC King exemplifies his nickname as a dynamic playmaker in the ball with his hands. Draft pundits have been trying like hell to find the ‘Next Deebo Samuel‘ and Corley appears to be the answer.
Corley was limited as a route runner in Western Kentucky’s offense, but he’s a player that his next offensive coordinator will manufacture touches for and play to his strengths. Whether it’s screens, slants, crossers, handoffs, or getting vertical up the seam, Corley made magic with the football in his hands.
Corley was featured in Bruce Feldman’s College Football Freaks List and had this to say about the player:
“One of the best-kept secrets in FBS football, this is a powerful, explosive playmaker for a very dynamic Hilltoppers attack. Last season, Corley made 101 catches for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns, but where the former two-star recruit was most impressive is with the ball in his hands. He led the country in yards after the catch with 975 and in missed tackles forced with 40,” Feldman 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.”
It would be a match made in fantasy heaven if Corley gets selected by a member of the Shanahan tree, and it makes too much sense for it to happen. Either way, expect Corley to break out year-one and be a day-one starter in the NFL as a dynamic playmaker out of the slot.
