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Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP and was the catalyst of the Los Angeles Rams' offense last season, but their rushing attack was a big reason they finished first in total yards and points. Kyren Williams obviously gets most of the attention as a Pro Bowl back, but Blake Corum emerged as a key player in the backfield.
Entering his third NFL season, Corum has gained the coaching staff's full trust and after training hard this offseason, he could be in for a big year. He should no longer be considered just a backup. He's almost a co-starter and could see significant playing time this season.
He's No. 24 on our list of the Rams' 26 most important players for 2026.
Despite already having Williams as their lead back, the Rams used a third-round pick on Corum in 2024. He was drafted 83rd overall out of Michigan, joining Williams in the Rams' backfield – though initially, it was in a very limited capacity.
17 games (0 starts): 145 carries, 746 yards, 6 TDs. 14 targets, 8 receptions, 36 yards.
It was about a 65-35 split between Williams and Corum last season in terms of their carries, with Williams remaining the starter for all 17 games. But as the season went on, Corum started to eat into Williams' carries more and more.
By the end of the year, Corum was averaging about 11 carries per game, and he and Williams were just about alternating drives.
Heading into the 2026 season, it could become even closer to a 50-50 split, according to The Athletic's Nate Atkins. That could put Corum in line for almost 200 carries after he and Williams combined for 404 rushes last season.
While Williams is the physical, downhill runner, Corum is a slasher with breakaway speed and outstanding agility. It's a perfect one-two punch for the Rams.
Corum ranked 14th in the NFL with 11 carries of 15-plus yards, despite only having 171 total carries in the regular season and playoffs combined. Every player with more 15-yard runs than Corum (except J.K. Dobbins) had at least 238 rushes.
Williams makes the offense go as the lead back, but Corum has a ton of value with his speed and elusiveness. Though he improved in that area last season, Williams isn't known for creating big plays or long runs. Corum, on the other hand, was a big-play machine for the Rams.
Not to mention, Corum is also a seamless fit in the offense in the event that Williams gets hurt or needs a breather. They're similar running backs who can do a little bit of everything, which allows the Rams to rotate them as needed without having to change up the play calling.
Corum should be as important as ever this season, especially with the Rams planning to go on a deep playoff run; they need to keep everyone fresh for the long haul.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 24: RB Blake Corum
Continue reading...
Entering his third NFL season, Corum has gained the coaching staff's full trust and after training hard this offseason, he could be in for a big year. He should no longer be considered just a backup. He's almost a co-starter and could see significant playing time this season.
He's No. 24 on our list of the Rams' 26 most important players for 2026.
How he got here
Despite already having Williams as their lead back, the Rams used a third-round pick on Corum in 2024. He was drafted 83rd overall out of Michigan, joining Williams in the Rams' backfield – though initially, it was in a very limited capacity.
2025 stats
17 games (0 starts): 145 carries, 746 yards, 6 TDs. 14 targets, 8 receptions, 36 yards.
Projected role
It was about a 65-35 split between Williams and Corum last season in terms of their carries, with Williams remaining the starter for all 17 games. But as the season went on, Corum started to eat into Williams' carries more and more.
By the end of the year, Corum was averaging about 11 carries per game, and he and Williams were just about alternating drives.
Heading into the 2026 season, it could become even closer to a 50-50 split, according to The Athletic's Nate Atkins. That could put Corum in line for almost 200 carries after he and Williams combined for 404 rushes last season.
While Williams is the physical, downhill runner, Corum is a slasher with breakaway speed and outstanding agility. It's a perfect one-two punch for the Rams.
One thing to know
Corum ranked 14th in the NFL with 11 carries of 15-plus yards, despite only having 171 total carries in the regular season and playoffs combined. Every player with more 15-yard runs than Corum (except J.K. Dobbins) had at least 238 rushes.
Why he's important
Williams makes the offense go as the lead back, but Corum has a ton of value with his speed and elusiveness. Though he improved in that area last season, Williams isn't known for creating big plays or long runs. Corum, on the other hand, was a big-play machine for the Rams.
Not to mention, Corum is also a seamless fit in the offense in the event that Williams gets hurt or needs a breather. They're similar running backs who can do a little bit of everything, which allows the Rams to rotate them as needed without having to change up the play calling.
Corum should be as important as ever this season, especially with the Rams planning to go on a deep playoff run; they need to keep everyone fresh for the long haul.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 24: RB Blake Corum
Continue reading...
