Browns to Host Wide Receiver Malachi Corley Before April Draft

Malachi Corley is a name to watch out for in Cleveland as the Browns work their way through the draft. His combination of toughness and athleticism is special at the wide receiver position.

Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley is set to visit with the Browns during the pre-draft process according to Josh Edwards of CBS Sports. It's a name all Browns fans should circle before the Bears are on the clock next month.

Corley was the number one wide receiver in an offense that featured one of the most prolific passing attacks in all of college football at Western Kentucky. He finished his career with 3,035 yards and 29 touchdowns on 259 total catches.

The Kentucky native will bring a unique set of skills to whichever team drafts him. Unlike some of the superstar burners who will be selected early in the draft, Corley is a former running back who possesses a rare level of toughness to the position.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) turns up field after making a catch as Auburn Tigers take on Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Auburn Tigers and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are tied 17-17 at halftime.  

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

After the catch, Corley is unlike most receivers that enter the league. he does not shy away from contact. He seeks out defenders and will try to go through them but features the quickness when he needs it.

The biggest question as Corley enters the NFL is the competition that he faced in Conference USA. Despite the fact that his opponents on a weekly basis may not have been the strongest but the thing about Corley is when he he faced off against top tier opponents, he shined.

At Ohio State in 2023, Corley hauled in eight passes for 88 yards and a score against one of the top five defenses in the country. In 2022 in a game at Auburn, Corley snagged 12 catches for 99 yards.

When the competition was the best, Corley still showed an ability to step up and answer the call. 

His fit in Cleveland would be behind Elijah Moore in the slot. His 5'11 build and stocky frame makes him an ideal slot receiver. 

If the Browns decide to go with Corley at 54 or later, he will increase the toughness of the wide receiver room while adding another piece of depth for the veteran group.