Analyst believes Philadelphia Eagles should target Deebo Samuel-esque receiver in NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles could use some extra depth at wide receiver, and they could turn to a player being compared to Deebo Samuel in this year’s NFL Draft.

Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus thinks the Eagles could end up taking Western Kentucky wide out Malachi Corley on Day 2 of the draft, noting that Philadelphia could use Corley’s explosiveness.

“The Eagles’ production after the catch substantially dropped in 2023,” wrote Wasserman. “Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley is dynamic with the ball in his hands and proved it by forcing 73 missed tackles over the past three seasons. Corley would provide a spark to Philadelphia’s RPO and screen games while he further develops his route running.”

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com likened Corley to Samuel, although Samuel displayed a bit more versatility in college than Corley.

Corley is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he caught 79 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The 22-year-old arrived at Western Kentucky in 2020 and began getting legitimate playing time in 2021, when he snared 73 balls for 691 yards and seven scores.

Corley then had a breakout year in 2022, hauling in 101 receptions for 1,295 yards while reaching the end zone 11 times. He also carried the ball 11 times for 87 yards.

The Eagles already have a dynamic duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in their receiving corps, but they have been unable to find a legitimate No. 3. They did sign veterans DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell this offseason, but neither player was very productive in 2023.

Philadelphia may very well look to draft a receiver later this month, and Corley could certainly be someone to keep an eye on for general manager Howie Roseman.