Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed provide a solid foundation for the New Orleans Saints receiving corps, but confidence thins in that position group after that. A.T. Perry could carve out a bigger role in his second season. Derrik Klassen labels Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley and his yards after catch as the perfect fit for New Orleans in the NFL draft.
Everyone loves a short, stocky receiver with a mean streak, hence everyone loves Malachi Corley. A sturdy 5’11” and 215 pounds, he is more running back than wide receiver. He’s not yet a polished, expansive route-runner, but my word can he bring the pain with the ball in his hands. He’s an explosive, violent ball-carrier with the natural vision and balance to squeeze out extra yards in any scenario. At the very least, he is going to be a nice screen and underneath YAC threat in the NFL.
An ability to run after the catch is an attribute the Saints should look to improve from last season, but it doesn’t appear to be the top priority in skill sets to add. The Saints are in the market for a receiver with size. The Saints just lost Michael Thomas, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them add someone similar to replace him.
Corley’s ability with the ball in his hands could lead him to a Deebo Samuel-style role. The two are comparable in size, and the 49ers, ironically, were also listed as a perfect fit. It’s less about Corley’s talent and more about alignment with the Saints’ vision. They are in the market for a bigger receiver to operate in the middle of the field and catch 50-50 balls. That isn’t something he’s shown much of a knack for after going 4-17 on contested targets last season, but Corley does enough other things well to where he could still be on the team’s radar.
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