Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has established himself as a top back; however, with the emergence of Blake Corum, there's a possibility the team could opt for a more balanced backfield.
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 season with the potential to have one of the most powerful offenses in the league.
With MVP of the league in Matthew Stafford, a top wide receiver duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and an above-average offensive line, the unit has very few weaknesses.
While the receiving room is mentioned more, the backfield is a huge strength, as it is led by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Though Williams remains the lead back, Corum has pushed himself into a strong rotational role and could find himself in more of a 50-50 split carry situation if he continues his ascent.
Corum finished the season with 746 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and a 5.1 yards per carry average. His production should warrant more carries, and could be the case if longevity is part of the Rams' plans for Williams.
The chances of that happening over the course of the entire season – assuming both players stay healthy – are slim. However, as the season progresses, it's possible the workload shifts toward a more even split from the middle of the season through the stretch run.
The Rams are paying Williams to be the top back on their team, as he is heading into the first year of his three-year, $33 million extension that he signed with the team last offseason.
As for Corum, he is heading inot the third year of his career on a rookie contract.
Nonetheless, the Rams have consistently prioritized on-field production over how touches are distributed. If splitting carries between Williams and Corum gives them the best chance to win, they have shown they are willing to do exactly that.
It’s all on Corum to dictate that. The Rams will start with Williams as the starter, but the former Michigan Wolverine could change all that.
Corum has seen his on-field usage jump in his first two seasons in the league, and 2026 will likely be his biggest yet.
While Williams had a great 2025 season, Corum’s finish to the season and metrics show he is ready for an increased role.
Last season, Corum had great efficiency metrics, ranking 18th in missed tackles forced, ninth in explosive run rate, third in rushing success rate, and ninth in rush yards over expected per carry.
What could catapult Corum in the Rams' offense is his explosive, dynamic run style, which just can't be replicated by Williams.
There is almost zero chance that Corum takes over at RB1 (outside of injury); however, being in a true 50-50 split, it could help both legs fresh by the time the playoffs come, and it could take the Rams offense to a new level.
