We continue our 2024 NFL draft scouting reports with running backs, and we begin with Michigan’s Blake Corum, who gained 1,245 yards and scored 27 (!) rushing touchdowns on 258 carries for the National Champion Wolverines last season. Corum had 624 yards after contact, forced 30 missed tackles, and had 13 runs of 15 yards or more in the 2023 season.
Corum ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 scouting combine with a 1.58-second 10-yard split. Those aren’t outstanding numbers for a back of Corum’s size and projected NFL skill set, but when you watch the tape, he certainly doesn’t look that slow. Any team in need of a rotational back in a heavy gap-scheme offense would do well to pay attention to his potential… and that probably includes the Los Angeles Chargers, whose head coach Jim Harbaugh coached Corum pretty well at the collegiate level.
PLUSES
— As good a gap runner as you’ll find in this class; had 128 runs for 787 yards and 15 touchdowns out of gap schemes in 2023.
— Outstanding vision and acceleration to and through gaps, and he can make the most of a small opening.
— As a zone runner, his proclivity for low-to-the-ground runs and really quick cuts makes him a natural for getting on the track and defying defenders.
— Adept with swings, screens, and release routes; could become more of a factor at the NFL level.
MINUSES
— Blocking can be an adventure; he’s as prone to bounce off a defender as he is to square up.
— Fumblitis is something he’ll have to shore up.
— Unlikely to be a “franchise back” at 5′ 7¾” and 205 pounds. He’s a rotational star.
— Impressive power for his size, but negative runs happened in the NCAA, and they could happen more in the NFL.
Corum reminds me a lot of Isiah Pacheco, who has become a figure of some importance in the Chiefs’ offense. He’ll never have 250 carries in an NFL season, but his skill set may project to 250 touches in the right system.
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
PLUSES
— As good a gap runner as you'll find in this class; had 128 runs for 787 yards and 15 touchdowns out of gap schemes in 2023.
— Outstanding vision and acceleration to and through gaps, and he can make the most of a small opening.
— As a… pic.twitter.com/L85YBcPRDr
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 24, 2024
