Rams select Michigan RB Blake Corum with No. 83 pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Jim Harbaugh’s favorite Michigan running back is joining him in Los Angeles, but will play for the Chargers’ co-tenants.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Blake Corum with the 83rd overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Corum was the driving force behind Michigan’s national championship run, propelling Harbaugh’s offense by making significant gains with the support of a superb offensive line. In the last two seasons, whenever the Wolverines needed a stabilizing play, they relied on Corum and he consistently delivered.

In 2022, the running back produced 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns over 12 games, contributing significantly to Michigan’s journey to the College Football Playoff. However, his campaign was cut short by a knee injury that kept him out of the last two games. Despite the chance to go pro, Corum chose to stay at Ann Arbor for another season. His decision paid off as he performed impressively in 2023, amassing 1,245 yards and breaking the school record with 27 touchdowns. By the time he finished his stint at Michigan, Corum had set another school record with 58 career touchdowns.

The 23-year-old has exceptional vision, being able to identify openings and swiftly move into the gap. He frequently foresees the lane widening, which enables him to target the crease and advance to the next level. Corum is skilled at positioning his blockers effectively, often tricking linebackers into jumping into the incorrect gap before swiftly navigating his way to the opposite side.

Corum can quickly move both north and south on the field, showing a knack for bouncing off less skilled tacklers. He has a great instinct for finding the end zone and utilizes his blockers effectively near the goal line. He also possesses significant lower body strength, enabling him to push forward.

Corum is on the smaller side for the NFL at 5-foot-8, but his compact build enables him to withstand physical punishment. However, he doesn’t possess exceptional breakaway speed and sometimes struggles to quickly regain momentum if forced to decelerate. Further, there will be concerns about his ability to catch passes at the professional level, given that he didn’t do much of that at Michigan, only making 56 career catches for 411 yards and three touchdowns.

Corum, a workaholic, was a reliable volume runner for his coaches. Despite doubts about his size and speed as he transitions to the NFL, his toughness and perceptiveness render him a credible threat.

He’ll slot into a backfield headlined by surprising 2023 breakout back Kyren Williams, bringing much-needed depth to the room for the Rams.