Williams, Corum could give Rams 1-2 punch on the ground

LOS ANGELES — One of the big reasons the Rams are bullish about this season is their depth at running back with starter Kyren Williams coming back this season after rushing for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season in just 12 games.

They also added Michigan running back Blake Corum in the draft, who ran for 1,245 yards, and an FBS-high 27 touchdowns on 258 carries. Corum was named the MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship after rushing for 234 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries and left Michigan as the school’s all-time leading scorer. 

The Rams think they will have a dynamic duo in the backfield this season.  

“It's just great to have Kyren healthy going into this training camp,”  Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said Friday. “He brings such a great vibe and energy to our offense. Not just from the running back room but his vibe and energy spreads to all of us as coaches and his teammates.

"Corum is of that same mold, All 31 teams knew what kind of guy Corrum was in terms of how mature he was and the production he had at Michigan. I just know that mentally he will be prepared to play and it won’t be too big for him.”

LaFleur praises Robinson

Rams wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson signed with the team last year before training camp and played in all but one game. LaFleur said he expects a big season from Robinson after a full season and offseason with the Rams under his belt.

“He’s done a great job," LaFleur said. "DeMarcus got here later last year so he missed all of OTAs so you’re already behind the eight ball when it comes to training camp particular with the injuries to Matthew (Stafford) and Cooper (Kupp) from the 2022 season.

"There were a lot of things that we were working through at the last training camp so for him to be able to have the back half of the year that he had and have OTAs and just come into camp knowing exactly what we’re trying to get done is awesome. He’s like Matthew, he’s a joy to be around. He has such great energy. He has such great vibes, even when wasn’t playing.” 

Nacua looks better

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a historic rookie season, finishing with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards, which set the new NFL rookie single-season record for total receptions and total receiving yards. But Nacua looks bigger and stronger in training camp this season and LaFleur thinks Nacua could have an even better second season. 

“I was joking around with him," LaFleur said. "He wore a long T-shirt and this year after working out with Cooper in the offseason. He wants to show off his washboard abs.

"His body is right. His mind is right and he’s not content with his rookie year. He’s around in this locker room a guy like Cooper Kupp, he’ll never be content because he knows there’s more out there for him.” 

Verse, Fiske improve

The Rams knew they weren’t going to replace Aaron Donald, who retired in the offseason, with one player but they are hoping their top two draft picks, Florida State’s Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, will combine to make life difficulty for opposing offenses this season. 

So far, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula likes what he has seen.   

“They’re looking good,” Shula said. “We have a long way to go.

"We have a lot of stuff to clean up with them but you see a lot of the flashes. You see the aggression. You see the attacking mindset. You see the style of play that they had at Florida State and that’s why we picked them where we did.”