Michigan running back Blake Corum is among the most productive and experienced rushing prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Corum was electric for the Wolverines this season, rushing for 1,245 yards and a program-record 27 touchdowns en route to a National Championship. Corum departs the program with 58 career rushing scores.
NFL teams will appreciate Corum's nose for the end zone. The No. 56 overall prospect in our latest TDN100 update, the Marshall, Virginia native is a patient, creative runner who evades defenders in tight quarters. Corum possesses natural spatial awareness that allows him to adjust his rush path as necessary. Projecting him to be an instant contributor at the next level, we've identified three ideal team fits for Corum.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
This fit makes too much sense. New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh viewed Corum as a workhorse for his national title-winning Wolverines last season. Corum totaled an astounding 274 touches throughout 2023.
Harbaugh hired Greg Roman to be his offensive coordinator, a run-first coach who would appreciate Corum's versatility. In addition to Harbaugh, Corum would encounter other familiar faces from Michigan, including defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The transition would be seamless.
The Chargers should find themselves in the market for a running back. Austin Ekeler is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency. The franchise has previously refused to give Ekeler the lucrative extension he desires. Will Harbaugh and new general manager Joe Hortiz have a change of heart? Pairing Corum with Joshua Kelley would give the Chargers a by-committee succession plan.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is a hard-nosed throwback leader who will prefer to establish the run. When factoring in that Aidan O'Connell or a bridge-type veteran may be the starting quarterback in 2024, the Raiders may especially need to lean on a dynamic ground attack to carry the offense. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will have his hands full.
Josh Jacobs played out the 2023 campaign on the franchise tag. The Raiders have been preparing for Jacobs' eventual departure. Zamir White is a big-bodied (6-foot, 210 pounds) powerful back that could take over for Jacobs as the Raiders' early-down, between-the-tackles runner. Drafting Corum as a smaller, change-of-pace option behind White would offer Pierce a balanced backfield he can lean on if Jacobs doesn’t return.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings are entering the offseason with a fairly sizable need at running back. Kevin O'Connell's offense struggled to move the ball effectively on the ground throughout the 2023 campaign. The Vikings averaged a 29th-ranked 90.7 rushing yards per game.
Alexander Mattison, who averaged a measly 3.9 yards per carry, led the Vikings in rushing with 700 yards. The Vikings scored a league-low seven rushing touchdowns. Corum scored nearly four times the amount of touchdowns at Michigan last season.
Midseason acquisition Cam Akers is an unrestricted free agent. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is sorting through decisions at quarterback while also preparing to sign Justin Jefferson to a record-breaking extension. Adding Corum on a four-year, cost-controlled contract should appeal to the Vikings.
