Kyren Williams burst out in 2023 in Sean McVay's re-imagined running game, playing a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Rams' run back to the postseason.
In 2024, the Rams want to ensure they don't grind down the starting back.
L.A. used a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Michigan running back Blake Corum to play in tandem with Williams. General manager Les Snead recently told Erica Tamposi of the team's official website that part of the rationale for the pick was ensuring the Rams didn't overload Williams.
"A lot of people have said he's similar (to Williams)," Snead said of Corum. "They have a very similar play style. They both really, really care about football. That's very important on that side of the ball. That's a sophisticated side of the ball. We're a relatively advanced, veteran offense, so you definitely are going to need to bring a care factor to be able to get up to speed and be able to function and fit right in and keep the thing humming.
"It's a tough league; it's a 17-game season plus playoffs, might go to 18 games one day. So we always felt like we needed to have as many quality runners as possible so we don't just totally run down Kyren, and we have one or two, or even three guys that can contribute, keep everyone fresh, and let's go and try to impose our will."
Injuries derailed Williams' rookie season, he missed four games last year, and then the RB suffered a broken hand in the club's wild-card loss to the Detroit Lions. In the four games Williams sat out last year, the Rams' run game didn't have the same pops, and the club went 1-3 over that stretch.
Having a reliable tandem in the backfield is simply smart business, particularly given the reality that it's an injury-heavy position.
Last season, McVay unleashed a rushing attack that added more gap and power scheme to his traditional zone style. The adjustments unleashed Williams. Corum's vision and quick-cut ability should similarly fit well in the Rams' rush attack. The similarities should allow the offense to keep rolling regardless of who is on the field.
