Rams' Blake Corum buzz may be officially veering off the rails

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been one of the buzzier names this offseason, rightfully so following an impressive sophomore campaign. Yet, it's important to keep the hype in perspective. It wouldn't be fair to Corum to set unrealistic expectations.

There's undeniably a lot to like. It's also true that he benefits from being a high-end contingency plan for starter Kyren Williams. The Rams' backfield hierarchy is crystal clear, so unless those touches are redistributed, it's probably a good idea to temper projections around Corum.

Nate Atkins of The Athletic doesn't necessarily agree. "Corum could push for his first 1,000-yard rushing season this year, even with Williams' presence," Atkins writes (subscription required). Frankly, though, that feels like something of a hot take, assuming a similar workload split to last season.

Blake Corum hype is pushing the upper limits

When the Rams need a first down or are near the goal line, head coach Sean McVay calls Williams' number. Who's trusted to help in pass protection to keep Matthew Stafford clean and upright? Williams, again.

Barring a significant role shift, Corum simply won't have the opportunities to reach Atkins' lofty benchmark. Based on his 2025 workload (145 carries), he would have to average nearly seven yards per rush. Williams has so many responsibilities, including serving as a locker room leader, that keep him on the field and part of the game plan.

It's not like Corum is sitting behind an inferior player and patiently waiting for a chance to flip the script. Williams is still operating at a very high level, which the numbers bear out.

49 running backs recorded a minimum of 100 carries in 2025, including the playoffs, and Williams was one of them. Here's where he ranked in the following key metrics, per Pro Football Focus:

• Tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (12)
• Tied for eighth in explosive runs (29)
• 10th in missed tackles forced (51)
• Tied for 12th in yards per attempt (4.7)
• Tied for 20th in yards after contact per attempt (3.06)

Williams also led the league in rushing success rate by a solid margin (62.9 percent). Notably, though, Corum was second, indicating that he deserves his share of credit, too, and also that it may be more of an offensive-line stat. Either way, it's another glowing indicator of Williams' outstanding efficiency.

McVay also holds a unique affinity for his former fifth-round pick. The Rams skipper has repeatedly expressed how much he admires Williams not just as a competitor, but on a human level as well. Their special connection is well-chronicled, and it's another element working to solidify Williams' status as RB1.

Lastly, and certainly not least, money talks. Less than 12 months ago, the Rams signed Williams to a three-year, $33 million contract extension with $23 million guaranteed. They didn't make him one of the highest-paid guys at his position to hand the keys to someone else. Corum's time may come, but for now he's still the clear-cut second option.

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