Three seconds. That’s all Malachi Corley needed to gain separation from his defender. And that separation was all he needed to score.
Western Kentucky was facing off with Troy in a Group of Five clash this past season. The Hilltoppers were down 17-7 midway through the third quarter, but they had driven down to Troy’s 22-yard line.
On third-and-6, WKU quarterback Austin Reed took a shotgun snap and needed to scramble to his right to buy some time. Lined up to the left of the formation, Corley ran a shallow crossing route.
Reed delivered the ball to Corley right on target. And now with momentum, Corley outran a couple opponents. With one more in his way, he hesitated for a split second, which made the defender stop as well.
That created the lane Corley needed to find the end zone. He bounced off an attempted tackle and dove across the goal line.
Corley has been dubbed the “YAC King” because of plays like that.
“Awesome guy, awesome player, awesome teammate,” Reed said at the NFL Combine. “That’s like my brother to me. I love that dude.”
Where Did Malachi Corley Get Drafted?
Corley was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected with the 65th overall pick.
What Was Malachi Corley’s 40 Time?
Corley ran the 40-yard dash at Western Kentucky’s pro day in 4.56 seconds, according to The Athletic. That would’ve tied for 19th among wide receivers at the NFL Combine.
He was invited to the combine but didn’t participate due to COVID-19.
Malachi Corley’s Stats And Highlights
Corley is WKU’s all-time leader in receptions with 259 and ranks second in the program with 29 touchdown catches and third with 3,033 yards.
Last year, Corley was a Group of Five All-American and first-team All-Conference USA selection after racking up 984 yards – 683 yards were after the catch – and 11 touchdowns on 79 catches. That was while his average depth of target was just 5.5 yards.
Going back to 2021, Corley caught 73 passes for 691 yards and seven touchdowns. The following season, he eclipsed 1,000 yards by totaling 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns on 101 receptions.
Malachi Corley’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Corley’s playing style in the NFL will be similar to Deebo Samuel. He has also been compared to Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs.
I’m far from the first person to think Corley could be used in a similar fashion to Samuel. But it’s too accurate to ignore.
Corley has quick feet, which helps him deceive defensive backs, and is explosive with his first few steps. He also has impressive body control and reliable hands. He adjusts well when the ball is in the air and can make catches after breaking stride.
Listed as 5-foot-11, 210 pounds in college, Corley has a similar build to Samuel (6-foot, 215 pounds). Corley was utilized in a similar fashion at WKU, as the Hilltoppers often called screens, sweeps, and short routes for him. Corley also isn’t afraid to be physical and will run through contact while showing good balance by staying on his feet.
Corley’s chemistry with Reed was also apparent, as he would find the spaces in opponents’ defenses and relied on Reed to find him.
Corley can make contested catches downfield, but deep routes weren’t really his emphasis in college. He may have to expand his game depending on where he’s drafted.
But if Corley lands in the right situation, he could be a difference-maker.
“That dude shouldn’t be on the board very long,” Reed said. “I think he’s really talented and he’s going to get picked up pretty early, as he should. He’s going to help an NFL team really early in his career.”
