Today I bring you the first part of a three-part series comparing the top RBs of the 2024 rookie class. Today, I’ll be taking a look at running backs Blake Corum and Braelon Allen then comparing the two to give you advice on which one I prefer heading into rookie drafts. Next time, I’ll be looking at Trey Benson vs. Jonathon Brooks, and lastly I’ll compare Re’Mahn Davis and Will Shipley. Make sure to tune in this week for the other two parts!
Blake Corum (RB – Michigan)
Blake Corum put the entire country on notice of his skill set in the college football playoffs, leading Michigan to a national championship. The impressive jump cuts I’ve been seeing from him his entire career were on full display for everyone to see. Corum stands at 5’8” and 214 lbs., meaning he’s a bit shorter than we’re used to for star NFL RBs. However, with the way Corum runs, I don’t see his height being an issue in the league.
Corum is an incredibly impressive runner who ran for 1,245 yards and 27 TDs in his senior season for the Wolverines. Yes, you read that right, TWENTY SEVEN TDs. That’s unbelievable. A big reason for all the TDs is Corum’s patience behind the line of scrimmage. He’s able to wait for his blocks to develop and hit the hole with sheer power. Corum also has a lot of breakaway speed for someone his size.
Blake Corum has no real weaknesses to his game, so if he gets good draft capital he’ll be a steal in Devy and Dynasty rookie drafts. I think his best comparable is Maurice Jones-Drew. I expect Corum to set the league on fire if he gets his chance to be a true bell cow back in the league. I’d love to see him reunite with Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles; Harbaugh has already shown a willingness to lean on Corum’s skillset and let him take over games.
Braelon Allen (RB – Wisconsin)
Braelon Allen is a mountain of a man at 6’2” and 245 lbs. He’s built more like an LB than an RB. Allen ran for 984 yards and 12 TDs for the Badgers this season, but topped 1,200 rush yards in two seasons prior. Allen has some surprise outside burst once he gets into the second level for such a big man.
His NFL comparison given his size and running style is a Michael Robinson-type prospect. Someone with his size/speed analytics should just be able to run better than he does. He kind of reminds me of AJ Dillon.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, I’m taking Blake Corum over Braelon Allen regardless of the landing spot. Corum’s game is much more conducive to success in the NFL. Corum has a nose for the end zone that should vault him up in fantasy football circles. Brealon Allen can still be a successful back in the league, but in my opinion, he’ll just have to land in the perfect situation for that to happen.
Thanks for reading! Any questions/positive feedback/negative feedback/whatever, I can be found on Twitter @DynastyPatrolHQ #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding #AlwaysBeScouting #DynastyFootball #NFL #NFLTrades #NFLDraft #NFLInjuries #PlantYourFlag
