Everyone thought the Rams were going to do something different.
When Los Angeles drafted Blake Corum in the third round out of Michigan, the fantasy football world and NFL analysts alike started whispering. They figured Sean McVay was finally over the "bell-cow" era. People expected a messy split, a 50/50 committee, or at least a situation where the rookie would vulture every single goal-line touchdown.
It didn't happen. Not even close.
If you watched the Rams running backs 2024 season unfold, you saw a story of pure, unadulterated workhorse volume. Kyren Williams didn't just hold onto his job; he practically welded himself to the field. Despite the "injury-prone" labels and the shiny new rookie sitting on the bench, Kyren finished the year as the engine of this offense.
The Kyren Williams Workload was Insane
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much McVay trusts this guy.
📖 Related: NFL Week 11 Straight Up Picks: Why Everyone Is Overlooking the Broncos
Kyren Williams finished the 2024 regular season with 316 carries. Let that sink in for a second. In an era where most teams are terrified of giving a back more than 15 touches, Kyren was out there logging 20-plus games like it was the 1990s. He turned those carries into 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
He’s not the fastest. He’s definitely not the biggest. But his vision? It's elite.
You've probably noticed that he doesn't just run to a hole; he waits for it to develop with a level of patience that reminds you of Le'Veon Bell in his prime. In Week 16 against the Jets, he ripped off 122 yards on 23 carries. That game was a masterclass in "grinding." The Jets' defensive line is no joke, but Kyren just kept hammering until they broke.
One thing that gets lost in the box score is his pass protection. If you don't block, you don't play for McVay. Period. Kyren is basically a mini-offensive lineman when Matthew Stafford is dropping back. That’s the real reason he stayed on the field for nearly 80% of the snaps.
The Blake Corum Mystery
So, what happened to Blake Corum?
A lot of people are calling him a "bust" or a wasted pick. That’s just flat-out wrong. Corum was exactly what the Rams needed him to be: insurance.
The rookie finished with 58 carries for 207 yards. That’s a 3.6 average, which isn't going to set the world on fire, but he was essentially playing the "relief pitcher" role. There were games where he barely saw the light of day. But then you look at his 2025 projection—where he's already showing more burst—and you realize 2024 was a "redshirt" year of sorts.
- Kyren Williams: 316 carries, 14 TDs, 1,299 yards.
- Blake Corum: 58 carries, 0 TDs, 207 yards.
- Ronnie Rivers: Used mostly on special teams and as a change-of-pace depth piece.
The gap between RB1 and RB2 in this offense was a canyon.
Why the "Efficiency" Argument is Flawed
If you spend too much time on Reddit, you'll see people complaining about Kyren’s yards per carry.
"He only averaged 4.1! He's inefficient!"
Look, context matters. The Rams' offensive line dealt with a revolving door of injuries early in the season. When you’re running against stacked boxes because Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua are sidelined, your average is going to take a hit.
The Rams finished the season 10-7 and won the NFC West. You don't do that with an "inefficient" run game. You do it by staying ahead of the sticks. Kyren was the king of the 4-yard gain on 1st and 10. It’s not sexy for your highlight reel, but it’s how you win football games in December.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2024 Rotation
The biggest misconception was that Corum would be the "power" back.
In reality, Kyren Williams was the goal-line hammer. Out of his 14 rushing touchdowns, 12 of them came from inside the 5-yard line. He has this weird, low center of gravity that makes him almost impossible to stop once he gets a head of steam near the paint.
Blake Corum actually struggled in short-yardage situations when he did get the chance. It's a different game when you aren't running behind the Michigan Wolverines' offensive line. The speed of the NFL linebackers caught him off guard a few times in the preseason and early September.
Real-World Impact: How the Rams Stayed Relevant
The Rams' identity changed in 2024. They aren't just a "fling it downfield" team anymore.
By leaning so heavily on the Rams running backs 2024 group, they managed to protect an aging Matthew Stafford. They slowed games down. They won ugly. The Week 15 win against the 49ers (12-6) was the perfect example. Kyren carried the ball 29 times for 108 yards. It was brutal, physical, and honestly, a bit boring to watch if you like explosive plays.
👉 See also: Why McCormick Ranch Golf Club Still Defines the Scottsdale Golf Scene
But it worked.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're looking at how this backfield evolves, keep these three things in mind:
- Don't bet against Kyren's volume. Until his legs literally fall off, McVay is going to ride him. He is the ultimate "safe" play because his floor is so high due to snap count.
- Corum's time is coming, but not as a replacement. Think of it more like a 70/30 split in the future rather than a takeover. Corum needs to improve his yards after contact before he earns more of the share.
- Watch the offensive line health. The Rams' rushing success is directly tied to the health of the interior. When Beaux Limmer and the guards are healthy, this run game is top-5 in the league.
The 2024 season proved that the Rams' backfield is one of the most stable, albeit top-heavy, units in the NFL. While the rest of the league moves toward "RB by committee," Los Angeles is more than happy to let one man carry the load.