Ravens hosting Deebo Samuel clone for visit ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are entering yet another season with a less-than-stellar collection of wide receivers. It seems almost assured that Baltimore will use one of their more valuable NFL draft choices on a standout wide receiver who could be an instant impact player.

While it would be foolish to expect someone to come in and play like San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel, the Ravens wouldn't be looked at sideways if they managed to target a player with a similar skillset. It appears as though one such player could be in striking distance in Western Kentucky playmaker Malachi Corley.

The Ravens will use one of their Top 30 visits on Corley, who recorded 180 catches, 2,277 yards, and 22 touchdowns during his final two seasons in college. Regarded as one of the best receivers after the catch in this class, Corley could be a player the Ravens target with their second-round selection.

With Zay Flowers starting to emerge as a speedy vertical threat and John Harbaugh giving Rashod Bateman another vote of confidence, the Ravens could still be targeting a No. 3 wide receiver in Corley's range. It doesn't take Bill Walsh to see how Corley could be used effectively in this offense.

Baltimore Ravens hosting YAC threat WR Malachi Corley ahead of NFL Draft

Corley is not a vertical receiver, as his very limited route tree with the Hilltoppers last season called for a lot of screens, drags, and crosses over the middle. When paired with some drop issues, it's easy to see why Corley is not being considered a first-round prospect.

The upside, however, is obvious. A stout player at 5-11 and 210 pounds, Corley possesses running back-like vision with the ball in his hands and a knack for busting big plays after the catch. Tough and physical, Corley can escape at the line of scrimmage became a handful due to his pure speed.

Corley going underneath will complement the vertical aspects that Flowers, the struggling Bateman, and the re-signed Nelson Agholor could bring to the Baltimore attack. By being thrust into a fairly manageable role early in his career, the Ravens can work on bringing him along gently, easing him into the complex world that is a Todd Monken route tree.

While we may not see another Samuel enter the league for quite some time, Corley is as good a Deebo impressionist as there is in this class. Teams run by Kyle Shanahan's disciples will likely try to steal him away, so Baltimore will need to worry about a team jumping them in the second round for his services.