50 Facts About Malachi Corley

Malachi Corley's Journey to the NFL

Malachi Corley, a standout wide receiver, has captured the attention of football fans and analysts alike. His journey from a small Kentucky school to the New York Jets is nothing short of inspiring. Here are 50 facts that paint a comprehensive picture of this promising athlete.

1. Malachi Corley was selected by the New York Jets with the first pick of the third round (65th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2. Corley played college football at Western Kentucky University, becoming the first player from his high school to sign with a Division I program.
3. Despite receiving only ten college offers, Corley seized the opportunity presented by Western Kentucky and made a significant impact in his college career.
4. In his three seasons at Western Kentucky, Corley amassed 253 receptions for 2,968 yards and 29 touchdowns.
5. His most impressive season was in 2022, where he recorded 101 receptions for 1,293 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The YAC King

Known for his ability to gain yards after the catch, Corley earned a special nickname that highlights his playmaking skills.

6. Corley earned the moniker 'YAC King' due to his exceptional ability to gain yards after the catch, averaging 9.2 yards per reception over the past two seasons.
7. Corley stands at 5'11" and weighs 215 pounds, making him a solidly built receiver with ideal size for his role.
8. His college route tree primarily consisted of screens and slants, which could pose a challenge in transitioning to the NFL, where more complex routes are often required.
9. He played 91.6% of his college snaps in the slot, which might limit his versatility in the early stages of his NFL career.
10. In his final college season, 38.4% of his targets came behind the line of scrimmage, 37.4% were short passes, 11.3% were intermediate passes, and 13% were deep passes.

Comparisons and Performance

Corley's skills have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL's best, and his performance in key events has only bolstered his reputation.

11. Corley has been compared to Deebo Samuel due to his impressive catching and playmaking abilities, although he is slightly smaller than Samuel.
12. Corley's strong performance at the Reese's Senior Bowl further bolstered his NFL Draft prospects, earning him the distinction of the Senior Bowl National Team Top WR.
13. The Jets traded a 5th-round pick to the Carolina Panthers to secure Corley, advancing from the 72nd to the 65th pick in the draft.
14. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has expressed his enthusiasm for Corley, even offering him a place to stay in his guest house during training camp.
15. Corley’s dual-threat potential as both a wide receiver and a running back has generated interest among fantasy managers and NFL scouts.

Rushing and Receiving

Corley's versatility extends beyond catching passes, as he has also shown his ability to contribute on the ground.

16. In his final college season, Corley had 11 carries for 87 yards, showcasing his ability to contribute on the ground as well as through the air.
17. While Corley’s college profile is similar to that of Stefon Diggs, who transitioned successfully to the NFL, there are also cautionary notes from players like Rondale Moore and Parris Campbell, who had limited success despite being drafted in higher rounds.
18. Corley’s average depth of target in college was 6.3 yards, which is lower than many NFL receivers, indicating a potential learning curve in adapting to deeper routes.
19. He averaged 2.22 yards per route run in college, which is lower than many successful NFL receivers, suggesting he may need to improve his efficiency on the field.
20. Corley averaged 8.2 yards after the catch per reception in college, highlighting his ability to make plays in space.

Hands and Catching Ability

A receiver's hands are crucial, and Corley's stats in this area are promising.

21. He had a drop rate of 4.8% in college, which is relatively low and indicates good hands and focus on the ball.
22. Corley had a contested catch rate of 26.5%, which is lower than some of his college peers, raising questions about his ability to make plays in traffic.
23. 38.4% of his targets came behind the line of scrimmage, indicating a strong ability to catch short passes and create opportunities in the slot.
24. 37.4% of his targets were short passes, 11.3% were intermediate passes, and 13% were deep passes, showing a balanced distribution of target types.
25. Corley’s family boasts an impressive athletic pedigree, with his older brother Micah playing college football at Kentucky State and Campbellsville State, and his sister attending Campbellsville University on a volleyball scholarship.

Family and NFL Comparisons

Corley's athletic prowess runs in the family, and his potential in the NFL is a hot topic.

26. Several of Corley’s cousins played football, including Jeff Demps, a former running back at Florida and a four-season NFL veteran.
27. While Corley has been compared to Deebo Samuel, there are also concerns about his ability to develop beyond a gadget player, given the limited route tree and target distribution in college.
28. Corley faces a steep learning curve in the NFL due to his limited exposure to intermediate and deep passes in college, which could affect his development as a receiver.
29. To grow beyond a gadget player, Corley will need to expand his route tree and improve his ability to catch passes in traffic, which could be challenging but not impossible.
30. Aaron Rodgers’ influence on Corley could be significant, given the quarterback’s history of developing young receivers and creating a favorable environment for them to thrive.

Role and Fantasy Value

Corley's potential role in the Jets' offense and his value in fantasy football are worth noting.

31. Despite the presence of Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams on the Jets’ roster, Corley should still have opportunities to contribute, especially as he builds rapport with Aaron Rodgers.
32. In fantasy football, Corley is seen as a potential late-round pick or waiver-wire add due to his dual-threat potential and the possibility of increasing targets as the season progresses.
33. In dynasty leagues, Corley merits serious consideration as a long-term asset due to his potential for growth and development under Aaron Rodgers.
34. Corley has fallen 5.9 spots on UnderDog since late June, but he remains a promising prospect for fantasy managers looking to draft him in the later rounds.
35. Demarcus Robinson, a wide receiver for the Rams, has seen a significant rise in draft boards, making him a more popular choice among fantasy managers compared to Corley.

Training Camp and Expectations

Corley's time in training camp and his initial expectations in the NFL are crucial for his development.

36. Fantasy managers are advised to consider selecting Corley in builds that correlate towards the Jets-Bills matchup in week 17, as this could provide him with more opportunities to shine.
37. Corley has accepted Aaron Rodgers’ invitation to stay in his guest house during training camp, which could further enhance their relationship and Corley’s chances of success.
38. While expectations for Corley should be tempered in his first season, he could develop into a solid receiver if he works hard and receives good coaching.
39. Players with similar college profiles to Corley have had mixed success in the NFL, with some failing to adapt while others have thrived. Stefon Diggs is an outlier who transitioned successfully from a similar college profile.
40. Diggs became one of the best route-runners in the NFL, which is a high bar for Corley to clear, but it also indicates that with the right coaching and work ethic, Corley could improve significantly.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Looking at historical data and comparisons can provide insight into Corley's potential trajectory.

41. In his rookie season, Diggs transitioned to an 11.7%/41.6%/28.6%/18.2% target distribution, moving more towards the intermediate area of the field. This could be a model for Corley’s development.
42. Diggs played in the slot just 15.4% of the time in his rookie season, which is lower than Corley’s college usage. This indicates that Corley may need to adapt to playing more outside or in different roles.
43. Diggs averaged 8.0 YAC per reception in college, which is similar to Corley’s 8.2 YAC per reception. However, Diggs’ ability to transition to deeper routes and more complex plays is crucial for Corley’s development.
44. Diggs had a contested catch rate of 64.3% in college, which is higher than Corley’s 26.5%. This difference highlights one of Corley’s biggest areas of struggle and potential improvement.
45. Diggs never had an ADOT below 8.5 in a single season in the NFL, which contrasts with Corley’s 6.3 ADOT in college. This indicates that Corley will need to improve his ability to catch passes at deeper levels.

Rushing Attempts and Success

Corley's ability to contribute on the ground is another aspect of his game that could set him apart.

46. Since 2014, drafted receivers with an ADOT under 8.5 have generally not had much success in the NFL, with notable exceptions like Stefon Diggs who hit the ground running as a rookie and never looked back.
47. Players who have had at least 8 rushing attempts as rookies have shown varying degrees of success, with some becoming big stars like Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel, while others have not amounted to much.
48. In a table sorted by rookie year rushing attempts, some productive players include Tyreek Hill, DeSean Jackson, Deebo Samuel, Antwaan Randle El, and Percy Harvin, who all contributed significantly in both rushing and receiving yards in their rookie seasons.
49. Corley has generated interest among fantasy managers due to his dual-threat potential and the possibility of increasing targets as the season progresses, particularly if he can carve out a role in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.
50. Steve Smith Sr. has provided a detailed breakdown of Corley, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses, which has helped raise his profile among football enthusiasts and scouts.

Malachi Corley's NFL Journey Begins

Malachi Corley, the New York Jets' third-round pick, brings a unique blend of talent and potential to the NFL. His college stats at Western Kentucky University, including 253 receptions and nearly 3,000 yards, highlight his playmaking ability. Known as the "YAC King" for his yards after catch, Corley stands out with his physical attributes and knack for making plays in space.

Challenges lie ahead, especially with his limited route tree and contested catch rate. However, with Aaron Rodgers' mentorship and a strong work ethic, Corley has the tools to succeed. His dual-threat potential as both a receiver and a runner makes him an intriguing prospect for fantasy managers and Jets fans alike.

As Corley adapts to the NFL's demands, his journey will be one to watch. With hard work and good coaching, he could become a valuable asset for the Jets.