There was a lot of talk during the offseason about how much Blake Corum might eat into Kyren Williams’ role at running back after the Rams spent a third-round pick on the former Michigan Wolverine. By all accounts, Corum had a good showing in training camp and appeared poised for a big role after getting the veteran treatment during the preseason, but Week 1 rolled around and he didn’t play a single snap.
In fact, he didn’t play an offensive snap in three of his first five games, getting just 13 total carries – eight of which came in garbage time during a blowout against the Cardinals in Week 2.
The Rams finally elevated him to RB2 last week against the Packers and gave him six touches behind Williams, and he stood out in a positive way. Sean McVay has been impressed by the rookie running back despite his quiet start to the year, telling J.B. Long on the “Coach McVay Show” that the Rams want to “continue to get him opportunities that have been earned.”
“I think what I’ve been so impressed with is the consistency of his approach regardless of whether or not he was getting the opportunities or not behind Kyren,” McVay said. “But I thought he earned it. Consistent work ethic, ability to earn that trust in these practice-type settings. And then I thought he did really well. Still some minimum opportunities, but he’s heavy at the point of contact, good instinctual runner. Though he did a great job being able to show some burst through the line of scrimmage and he’s a guy that we’ll continue to get him opportunities that have been earned. I really like what I’ve seen, and I’ve been more impressed with the human being, the way that he’s handled it. And then I thought he did maximize the ops that he had against the Packers.”
On his five carries in Week 5, Corum gained 25 yards. He also had an 8-yard reception, providing a spark on offense as both a runner and receiver. He’s still unlikely to eat into Williams’ opportunities in a significant way, but he appears locked in as the RB2 over Ronnie Rivers.
The more the Rams can utilize Corum, the less wear and tear Williams will put on his body, which could help keep him healthy and fresh for the duration of the season.