5 RB prospects who could transform the Vikings offense in 2024
By Ben Donahue
Vikings running back prospect No. 1
Blake Corum, University of Michigan
Despite evidence to the contrary (Mattison and Akers) it seems like the Vikings subscribe to the idea that any running back can start in the NFL. With that in mind, it’s safe to say the team will not use its first-round pick on a running back.
Corum has a current projection by some NFL scouts as a second or third rounder. That’s perfect for Minnesota. Corum ended his four-year career at Michigan with 3,737 yards and 58 touchdowns. He was the workhorse for the Wolverines’ offense and was a favorite of the Michigan coaching staff.
In 2022, Corum injured his knee near the end of the season and did not play in the team’s Big Ten Championship or the CFP semi-final game. However, he bounced back in ‘23 with 1,245 yards and a ridiculous 27 rushing scores. As a Wolverine, Corum was a Unanimous All-American in ‘22 and a first-team All-American this past year. In Michigan’s National Championship game against the Washington Huskies, Corum ran roughshod to the tune of 134 yards and two touchdowns. He was then awarded as the game’s offensive MVP.
At 5’8, 210 pounds, Corum is a rock who thrives on contact and has no problem getting to the second and third levels of a defense. The primary negatives are his age (23) and NFL scouts' uncertainty of his pass-catching ability. Corum caught 56 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns at Michigan. It appears he should have no trouble catching the ball as a pro.