2024 NFL Draft Profile: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley

Throughout the last few years of Western Kentucky "air raid adjacent" offense, WKU's Malachi Corley has been a consistent and critical piece.

While WKU has seen a few different quarterbacks take the reins in that time, all have found a particular use for Corley's physicality and overall ability as a receiver. Built like a running back in some ways, Corley's college career hinted at an NFL future fairly early on after joining the Tops in the class of 2020.

Here's what NFL fans should know about the man draft analysts have dubbed "The YAC King."

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Background

Measurements: 5’11" – 210 pounds

Lightly-recruited out of Campbellsville, Kentucky, Western Kentucky standout receiver Malachi Corley has been one of the top receiving targets not only in Conference USA, but the entire nation over the last three seasons.

After playing sparingly as a freshman in 2020, Corley emerged into a part-time starting role in the Hilltoppers’ Air-Raid offense that saw numerous passing records broken by former Western Kentucky signal caller and current New England Patriot Bailey Zappe.

Over the last two years as a the number-one target in Bowling Green, Corley has racked up 180 receptions for over 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns – earning all-conference honors in both seasons.

His 101 catches for 1,295 yards and 11 scores led CUSA in each category, while seeing an expanded role in the offense, getting 13 carries for over 100 yards in the past two seasons for Tyson Helton’s Hilltoppers.

The Strengths

Despite standing below six-feet tall, Corley has been a steady deep-ball target, hauling in over 50% of passes thrown to him that traveled over 20 yards in the air – a regularity in Western’s Air Raid offense.

The most likely role for Corley at the next level is as a slot receiver, where he lined up over 1,000 times during the past three years with the Hilltoppers. He’s shown to have steady hands during his collegiate career, dropping less than 8% of the over 350 targets that have come his way.

His compact frame does liken him to several notable pro wideouts who have been used interchangeably to line up across the offensive formation and makes him a very capably run after catch player, recording over 2,000 yards after catch in his career.

What may truly decide Corley’s stock in regards to April’s draft is his pro day numbers, specifically his 40 time and short area quickness drill times. He’s never shown a lack of ability to get off the line of scrimmage and operate in short areas or create separation from defenders – but if Corley can get into the 4.5 or below range – it legitimizes his having elite-level speed.

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What's Next

Corley had an excellent Senior Bowl week by most reports and should draw a sizable crowd at the Hilltoppers’ pro day. Corley has also accepted an invitation to the NFL Combine in late February. At best, a day two draft grade would be ideal, but Corley feels like a lock to be at least a day three selection.