With less than a month remaining until this year's NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not yet addressed their major need for a WR2. Pittsburgh Steelers still haven’t addressed their major need for a WR2.
As they try to determine who will take on that role in 2024, the team has been actively exploring options at the position.
This includes expressing interest in several draft prospects at the position.
This includes Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. Malachi Corley.
is being hosted by the prolific former Hilltopper for a visit.
Corley posted a picture to his Instagram story (via Steelers Depot) showing that he had arrived in Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit.Corley’s Prolific Career At Western KentuckyCorley didn’t do much as a freshman at Western Kentucky after transitioning from corner to receiver, but ended up in one of college football’s most impressive passing games as a sophomore.
In 2021, Hilltoppers QB Bailey Zappe broke the college football records for passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Despite being only the fourth option at wide receiver that season, Corley still managed 73 receptions for 691 yards and 7 touchdowns.
He followed that up with an outstanding junior year for the Hilltoppers and became the favorite target for new quarterback Austin Reed. In 2022, he accumulated 101 catches for 1295 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although his numbers dipped a bit in the 2023 season, he still had a solid year, making 79 catches for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns.
This brought him to just under 3000 receiving yards over the course of his last three college seasons.
Corley didn’t have the opportunity to take part in the NFL Combine, but still displayed impressive athleticism at his Pro Day.
He exhibited impressive speed, running the 40-yard dash in the mid 4.4s.
His athleticism and college production, combined with a likely reasonable draft price, could make him an ideal fit for the Steelers if they have not addressed their wide receiver need by the time the draft begins.
A Perfect Fit for the Steelers
The Steelers have needed a new WR2 since they traded Diontae Johnson in the middle of March.
So far, it’s something they haven’t addressed and their options at the position are dwindling the further into the offseason they get.
This could lead them to seek a wide receiver in the draft, but the team also has other needs that are arguably more urgent at center and offensive tackle.
These needs may prevent the Steelers from drafting higher-profile players like Ladd McConkey or Brian Thomas Jr. with their first-round pick and could even steer them away from second-round prospects.
If the Steelers choose to prioritize the offensive line or any other position on the roster over wide receiver, then Corley could be an excellent fit for them.
He should still be available for the Steelers in the third round and could fill a role similar to the one Johnson played for them before the trade. According to reports, Johnson had an average depth of target of less than 10 yards in three of his five seasons with the Steelers. At Western Kentucky, Corley was also a significant danger on brief passes, utilizing his quickness and strong build to accumulate yards after catching the ball.
If the Steelers decide to attempt to locate their next WR2 in the draft, choosing Corley in the third round after addressing other needs might be one of their top choices.
The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed a highly productive mid-major receiver for a pre-draft meeting as they aim to substitute Diontae Johnson.
Those needs should prevent the Steelers from drafting bigger names like Ladd McConkey or Brian Thomas Jr. with their first round pick and could even keep them away from second round prospects.
If the Steelers decide to prioritize the offensive line or any other spot on the roster over wide receiver, then Corley could be a great fit for them.
He should still be there for the Steelers in round three and he could fill a role similar to the one Johnson played for them before the trade.
According to PFF, Johnson had an average depth of target at less than 10 yards in three of five seasons with the Steelers.
At Western Kentucky, Corley was also a big threat on short throws, using his speed and powerful frame to rack up yards after the catch.
If the Steelers are going to try and find their next WR2 in the draft, taking Corley in round three after they’ve addressed other needs could be one of their best options.
