What Blake Corum’s addition means for Kyren Williams, Rams’ rushing game

When the Rams won the Super Bowl three seasons ago, they used a stable of running backs that included Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr. and Sony Michel.

Coach Sean McVay appears to be taking a similar approach this season with the selection of Michigan product Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams also signed scatback Boston Scott in free agency. 

At 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, Corum was the workhorse back helping to lead Michigan to the national championship last season. He set school records for rushing touchdowns in a season (27) and career (58). Corum finished with 24 runs of 20-plus yards during his final two seasons at Michigan. 

The Rams had just 43 runs of 10-plus yards in 2023, tied for No. 24 in the NFL. 

McVay says he sees similarities in the running styles of Corum and current Rams bell-cow back Kyren Williams, who ran for 1,144 rushing yards in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl nod. 

"There's a lot of traits that reminded me of Kyren Williams," McVay said. "Obviously, I love Kyren and he's been so important. Just the human being, but then also when you just look at the way he works at it, the production and the things that he was able to bring to our offense last year. 

"I think there's a lot of similarities. Kyren will put Blake under his arm and be a great mentor." 

The Rams averaged 120.3 rushing yards per game last season, good enough for No. 11 in the league. It may have been more, but Williams missed four games due to an ankle injury during the middle of the year. With Williams out, the Rams averaged 94.5 rushing yards per game and went 1-3 in those contests.

The addition of Corum will allow the Rams to protect Williams, so he doesn't wear down during the marathon of an NFL season, while