Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Malachi Corley
- Western Kentucky
- Height-5110
- Weight-210 lbs
- Fourth-year senior
- 2-Star recruit at cornerback per 247 Sports
- Stats: 361 targets, 255 receptions, 3,009 yards, 11.8 YPR, 29 touchdowns, 16 rushes, 92 yards
- Games watched: Troy 2023, Louisiana Tech 2023, Ohio State 2023
Strengths
Comping players to stars in the National Football League isn’t something that is fair to the prospect. However, comparing a prospect’s playstyle is something that can help you identify how you can project out how they will be used at the next level. In that light, Corley projects to be used like Deebo Samuel.
Yards after the catch is his specialty. 2,082 of his 2,990 yards (69.6%) of his yards have come after the catch.
A stocky frame, Corley thrives in the open field being able to beat defenders with both speed and power to break tackles. His strength makes it difficult to bring him down, forcing 69 missed tackles throughout his career, including an astounding 40 in 2022.
Route running has some positives to it. Corley understands how to use tempo to get separation and has some explosiveness to it. Corley can make cuts without losing momentum and can use leverage to his advantage.
Corley displays good hands. He has a wide catch radius for a receiver only 5’11”. He has just 13 drops on 361 targets (4.9%).
Weaknesses
Corley played in an air raid offense at Western Kentucky. He doesn’t have a full route tree down for that reason. Along with that, his release package isn’t diverse at this point. That nuance
While there is quickness and a twitchy element to his game, Corley lacks the top-end speed that his contemporaries have. Likely will run in the mid-4.5s but moves well once he gets in open space. It will be an issue for some teams and workable for others.
Contested catches are not a strength for Corley. He is just 14/49 (28.6%) in those situations. It’s not his game to win those contested catch balls but you would like to see that number higher.
So much of Corley’s game is YAC that we don’t have a ton of evidence of him winning down the field. His aDOT dropped each year and was 5.8 yards in 2023 for a career average of 6.4 yards. Can he win down the field consistently?
Overview
| Hands | 8.2/10 |
| Release | 7.4/10 |
| Route Running | 11.1/15 |
| Separation | 11.5/15 |
| Contested Catches | 7.2/10 |
| Tracking | 7.9/10 |
| Body Control | 8.7/10 |
| YAC Ability | 9.0/10 |
| Agility | 8.4/10 |
| Grade | 79.4/100 Third Round |
Corley is a talented player that will be a YAC monster in a Shanahan inspired offense. He isn’t the same athlete that Deebo Samuel is, but you will want to use him the exact same way. Get him the ball with manufactured touches and in open space. Corley is the first member of the All-Forno team.
