NFL insider updates status of Matt Corral ahead of scouting combine

Former Ole Miss star Matt Corral won’t throw at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. The potential first-round pick is still rehabbing his ankle injury suffered late in the Rebels season.

Corral began throwing again two weeks ago, according to Pelissero, and he hopes to be full-go for Ole Miss’s Pro Day on March 23.

“Projected as a high pick, Corral only played in the Sugar Bowl because he’s so competitive, and it’s killing him not to participate here,” Pelissero wrote. “But it was high ankle sprain with a 6- to 8-week recovery. I’m told he’s ahead of schedule — just not enough time to prepare to work out here.”

Corral threw for 3,300 yards in each of the last two seasons. In 2020, he threw for 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. This past season, Corral threw 20 touchdowns and cut down his interception number to five. He also emerged as a dangerous runner, rushing for 614 yards and 11 more touchdowns.

Matt Corral still considered first-round talent

Matt Corral has shown that he is capable of playing at an extremely high level, but he has also struggled with injuries during his career.

In ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay’s mock draft 2.0, he has Corral going 18th overall to the New Orleans Saints. He is the third quarterback taken, behind Pitt’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis.

“Matt Corral going to the Saints. And if you remember, I had the Steelers moving up from 20, I think it was 17, just ahead of the Saints to get Malik Willis from Liberty. And now you’ve got Corral there, and Corral’s a tough evaluation,” McShay said. “Mel (Kiper) and I both kind of agree on this, but it’s a tough evaluation because so many of his throws at that RPO game are within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Then, also you love his running ability and his competitiveness, his toughness, his ability to extend plays.

“But with that undersized frame, and already having some injury issues in the past, you’re worried about the long-term durability. So that’s the tough part with Corral. Because you love everything else about his game. He’s a proven winner. First double-digit regular-season win for Ole Miss in school history. You saw the leadership. Everyone around him loves him and plays for him. Obviously, he’s got a big arm, he can extend the plays, and he throws pretty accurately down the field when he does throw down the field. So I think that fits for the Saints now.”