There have been rumors circulating that the Baltimore Ravens are considering signing a running back in free agency. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of the team also benefiting from selecting a talented rusher in the upcoming NFL Draft. A potential candidate who could enhance the Ravens’ running game is Blake Corum from the University of Michigan.
While there has been speculation about the Baltimore Ravens potentially pursuing Derrick Henry, a future Hall of Famer, the addition of a player like Blake Corum would bring numerous benefits on the field. It is noteworthy that Corum has already played under head coach John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, during his college career.
Corum has the potential to excel as either a change-of-pace back or a primary rushing option. Despite having a contrasting physical build to Henry, standing at 5-8 and weighing 205 pounds, both players have demonstrated exceptional production on the field.
In the past two seasons, Corum has maintained an impressive average of 1,354 yards from scrimmage, 23.5 touchdowns per season, and 5.4 yards per carry. His performance during the Wolverines’ College Football Championship-winning season is even more remarkable when considering that he had recently recovered from a knee injury that required surgery to repair his meniscus during his junior year.
During the NFL Combine held in Indianapolis, Blake Corum showcased a strong performance. His results were impressive across multiple events, highlighting his athleticism and strength. Corum recorded the 12th fastest 40-yard dash time, completing it in 4.53 seconds. He also tied for the 8th fastest 10-yard split at 1.58 seconds, demonstrating his quick acceleration. In terms of vertical jump, Corum tied for the 8th highest with a leap of 35.5 inches, showcasing his explosiveness.
Furthermore, Corum excelled in agility drills. He finished second in the three-cone drill, missing first place by just 0.01 seconds with a time of 6.82 seconds. Additionally, he ranked third in the 20-yard shuttle, completing it in an impressive 4.12 seconds.
Perhaps the most remarkable display of his strength came during the bench press. Corum recorded 27 reps of 225 pounds, which tied him for eighth place among all participants, regardless of position. Among running backs, he secured the top spot in this category.
Overall, Corum’s performance at the NFL Combine highlighted his speed, agility, and exceptional strength, further solidifying his potential as a standout player at the professional level.
After recovering from a knee injury, it is common for an athlete’s explosiveness to take time to fully return to its pre-injury level. Typically, it may take until the second season after returning for an athlete to regain their full explosiveness. In the case of Blake Corum, if he surpasses his current athletic numbers and continues to develop as an athlete, he possesses the potential to secure a starting role later in his career. With further progress and growth, Corum could further establish himself as a key player in the future.
The Baltimore Ravens should not be disregarded as a potential destination for Blake Corum in the NFL Draft. Despite his smaller stature, Corum’s college production and performance suggest that his best playing days may lie ahead of him. It would be unwise to dismiss his potential in the NFL solely based on his size. The Ravens, known for their ability to maximize the talents of their players, could be an ideal fit for Corum to showcase his skills and contribute to their offense.
