Kyren Williams says Rams rookie RB will allow him to 'showcase skills'
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams.
Running back Kyren Williams came out of nowhere last season, becoming the Rams' first 1,000-yard rusher since Todd Gurley in 2018.
The former fifth-round pick rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. He also reeled in 32 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
Many might have thought that type of production would prevent Los Angeles from investing more in the position, but that's not how things played out in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Rams selected Michigan running back Blake Corum with their third-round pick (No. 83) — 81 spots sooner than they drafted Williams (No. 164) in 2022.
However, that doesn't mean Corum will overtake Williams as Los Angeles' No. 1 running back. Williams believes Corum will allow him to play his best football yet.
"Honestly, it's growing off of what I did last year," Williams said during an appearance on the "Rich Eisen Show." "I'm super excited that we went to go draft Blake Corum. [He's] somebody that can run the ball very well, and hopefully, it allows me to get to the slot or run routes out of the backfield to showcase my skills."
Keeping Corum off the field may be difficult if his play translates to the next level. He rushed for 3,660 yards and 56 touchdowns during the past three years.
If that's the case, Williams will likely be given more opportunities in the passing game and create one of the best running back rooms in the league.
"We talk about what we can do as a whole," Williams added. "We are just working each and every single day to be where we want to be."
It remains to be seen how exactly the Rams will decide to use their budding running back room, but either way, Williams isn't lowering his aspirations for the 2024 season.
"You know, I'm always going for that No. 1 spot," Williams finished. "I don't like to be anything else [if] not number one. If you're not first, you're last. So, I'm going to continue to work."
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