Steelers Get A Visit From Incredibly Productive Wide Receiver Malachi Corley

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the bold decision to trade away their star wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, this offseason. With Johnson's departure, the team now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by his absence. Initially, there were rumors and reports suggesting that Pittsburgh was actively pursuing a high-profile wide receiver, as disclosed by Gerry Dulac. However, as of yet, no concrete developments have emerged from these discussions.

As the offseason progresses, it appears increasingly probable that the Steelers will pivot their attention towards the upcoming draft in their quest for a receiver who can seamlessly step into Johnson's role. This strategy mirrors the success seen previously with rookies like George Pickens. Among the prospective talents being considered, a recent meeting between the Steelers and Western Kentucky standout wide receiver, Malachi Corley, has shed light on the team's draft intentions. 

Corley shared via his Instagram story that he was in Pittsburgh for a visit, indicating the Steelers' keen interest in evaluating him as a potential addition to their roster.

Corley showcased his talent on the field during the 2023 season, amassing an impressive stat line of 79 receptions, 984 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Standing at 5' 11" and weighing 210 pounds, Corley has garnered attention as a formidable prospect for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. While some projections place him as a day two selection, with one slotting him as a third-round talent, and another as a fourth-round prospect, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the ninth best wide receiver in a pool of highly skilled players.

Adding depth to the assessment, an NFC national scout offered insights into how teams are evaluating this promising wide receiver prospect.

“Teams will see him as a perimeter running back since he basically had so many lateral handoffs in their passing game, but I think he can be more than that if you ask him to do more.” 

While Corley has garnered attention for his athleticism and size, not everyone is convinced of his abilities. Critics argue that he struggles in contested catch situations and lacks precision in route running. However, for every perceived weakness, there's a corresponding strength. Corley's physicality and aggression on the field set him apart, as he demonstrates an ability to power through defenders and maintain his balance, making him a challenging target to bring down.

As demonstrated in the video above, Corley possesses the knack for generating big plays, showcasing his capability to turn ordinary situations into game-changing moments. His dynamic style of play makes him an exhilarating prospect, capable of making significant contributions on the field. With his skill set, Corley appears poised to make an immediate impact and contribute substantially as a rookie.

Steelers' 2024 Draft Plans Seem Obvious

Recently, the Steelers have identified pressing needs at both the center and wide receiver positions. It appears increasingly probable that the team is banking on addressing these gaps through the draft - with the aim of not just acquiring talent, but also swiftly integrating them into the starting lineup for the start of the regular season.

While the Steelers have introduced some new quarterbacks to the mix, they still require at least one more offensive weapon to bolster their ranks. Corley emerges as a candidate with significant boom-or-bust potential, offering an electrifying prospect for Steeler Nation. For those who haven't yet had the chance to review Corley's tape, it promises to be an enjoyable experience.

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