Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky (Junior)
Valentin
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Strengths :
- Power
- YAC threat
Weaknesses :
- Releases
- Impact on intermediate and deep routes
- Route tree
- Body catches
- Specific role
- Adversity in CFB
WR Malachi Corley
— Valentin (@ScoutValentin) January 11, 2024
Unique build with long arms, has great strength and uses it perfectly on screen passes or with the ball in his hands to gain yards after contact.
Not an elite athlete but a smooth receiver who can have an impact on the first level.
Round 4th talent ! pic.twitter.com/2YC1ls6SZI
TTProfil
Malachi Corley has a physique more akin to a running back than a wide receiver, with a very compact build and a low center of gravity. This allows him to execute quick changes of direction and develop good power on contact.
He isn't an elite athlete; he notably lacks speed for his build, and his acceleration off the line is only decent at best. While his explosiveness is adequate in the initial steps, he resembles more of a smooth receiver than a quick one.
Corley doesn't have a developed array of releases, which is less of a problem for a slot receiver, but he still needs to develop this aspect of his game to create separation more quickly because separation isn't his strong suit. When lined up on the outside against the best defenses he faced, he almost always had a motion, making it difficult to evaluate his abilities against press coverage. However, I don't believe he has the capabilities to consistently win in this area.
He finds it very difficult, if not impossible, to create separation on the third level (deep). Creating separation on the second level (intermediate) is also challenging for him, even on cross routes where he only manages to have a brief window open. Corley is primarily a receiver who will be utilized on the first level (short), as he can generate enough explosiveness and hip flexibility to create separation or be used on screens. His power allows him to gain yards after contact in these situations.
Malachi Corley doesn't have a developed route tree, but it's possible to expand it on the first two levels. However, in my opinion, he will never become an elite route runner.
He doesn't yet utilize tempo enough in his routes, and his routes lack sharpness in both his breaks in and out.
Corley knows how to create space, especially against zone coverage, which is very good but not elite. He possesses a good football IQ and understands when and where to settle in his route to provide a viable option for his quarterback.
Corley has good ball tracking abilities, and his long arms (unusual for his build) are interesting as they give him a large catch radius. However, he rarely utilizes this radius because he predominantly catches the ball with his body. He has reliable hands, but when in traffic with contested catches, it becomes extremely challenging due to his lack of aggressiveness and tendency to body catch.
He has a smooth transition from receiver to runner and is a legitimate threat in yards after catch, primarily on screen passes, short routes, or motion plays. Thanks to his power, he has a strong stiff arm, and his low center of gravity coupled with his strength make him a formidable threat with the ball in his hands.
Malachi's run blocking is good; he has solid power and utilizes his long arms well. However, he still needs to work on his technique.
Malachi Corley is an intriguing prospect but not suitable for all teams. He's a slot receiver with a very one-dimensional game, but if used wisely, he can be an important piece in a system. The level of adversity he faced in the CUSA should also be considered.
I assess Malachi Corley as a 4th-round prospect.