Patriots Receiver Draft Profile: From the ‘Book of Malachi’ Corley?

The New England Patriots may look to revitalize their offensive by drafting a play-making receiver, with Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley becoming an intriguing option.

Despite requesting “patience” from their fans when it comes to roster building, the New England Patriots are actively searching for ways to improve their offense. 

New England faces a tall task in repairing a perceivably damaged unit from 2022, New England’s scoring unit regressed even further in 2023. The Patriots finished the season ranked No. 32 in scoring offense, averaging 13.9 points per game, while managing only 27 touchdowns.

Though the Pats have several voids to fill on offense, perhaps their greatest need can be found within their receivers corps. 

New England is largely expected to use their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming Draft to upgrade the quarterback position. However, they may look to the mid-rounds to fill their need for a play-making pass-catcher to aid a potentially new rookie quarterback . Should they do so, a receiver likely to be on their radar is Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley. 

Nov 19, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11)

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Corley is becoming a fast-riser on several draft boards due to his stellar ability to create yards after the catch. He also possesses a great deal of vertical speed allowing him to contribute on the perimeter as well as in the middle of the field. 

In addition to his run-after-catch prowess, Corley stands out based on his footwork and body control at the top of his routes. On several occasions, his ability to start-and-stop at the advent of his stride allowed him to create separation from his defenders. Last season, Corley caught 79 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns. His solid performance at the Senior Bowl, aling with his 4.46 40-time, will not only increase the amount of attention he receives from NFL scouts, it will also make him worth the watch as a strong fit within coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense in New England. 

In the interest of adding another layer of Patriots interest, Corley had 73 receptions for 691 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021, while catching passes from fellow Western Kentucky alum — and current Patriots quarterback — Bailey Zappe.

While much of Patriots Nation remains disappointed by the team’s failure to secure the services of top free agent wideout Calvin Ridley, New England is expected to add to their corps of receivers through the Draft. Corley, as a Day 2 or 3 prospect, might provide the Patriots with a sure-handed pass-catcher, capable of winning his matchups on the outside.

Whichever receiver joins the fray in Foxboro, he will be suiting up alongside receivers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Jalen Reagor and K.J. Osborn on the Patriots depth chart.