Joel Klatt explains why he expects success in the NFL for Blake Corum

Blake Corum just wrapped up a fantastic, four-year collegiate career at Michigan. Now, as he heads to the next level, Joel Klatt thinks he has everything to have a great career as a professional as well.

Klatt labeled Corum as the No. 2 running back in the 2024 NFL Draft during an episode of his show this week. He started by saying how much of a favor he did himself in Indianapolis now that scouts can pair that with his resume as a Wolverine.

“Blake tested, performed, and worked out incredibly well at the combine. Then his tape speaks for itself,” said Klatt.

However, with that said, Klatt noted the wear and tear on his body compared to other backs in this draft could also be what teams see as a negative.

“Now, it’s the direct opposite view of Jonathon Brooks because Corum has the 675 carries,” added Klatt. “So, is that a point of concern? Possibly. Possibly.”

Still, as far as a prospect, Klatt thinks Corum has plenty to work with both on and off the field. That starts with the person he is and how that translated to as much success as he and his team had in Ann Arbor in his career.

“First of all, he is a tremendous leader. I mean a tremendous leader. A selfless guy,” said Klatt. “He came back this year. He was really the heart and soul of that Michigan team and that Michigan team just went 15-0 and won a national championship. In so many ways, Blake epitomized the personality of, the work ethic of, and the selflessness of the entire team. They took their keys from him. He was the alpha of that team.”

“That’s the type of guy that you’re getting if you put him in your locker room,” said Klatt.

Beyond that persona, Klatt also sees the skillset and talent from Corum. He credited his style, movement, and sight all as things that combine to make him a load to handle on the ground.

“You look at what he does on the field? He’s incredibly smooth and he has got that little glide step towards the line of scrimmage. He was great in gap schemes, he was great in duo schemes, he was great in zone schemes,” said Klatt. “He catches it really well out of the backfield. So he’s a well-rounded back.”

“Boy, when you watch him run the ball? One thing really jumps out and that’s his vision. I think his vision is as good or better than, well, anybody in this draft, certainly, but a lot of guys, even in the NFL,” Klatt continued. “That vision is going to allow him to succeed.”

Mix that altogether and Klatt sees a pro’s pro in Corum. He thinks that he’ll bring everything to the table and more for whichever team selects him come the end of April.

“Corum is going to really succeed in the NFL,” said Klatt.

“The smooth nature with which he runs, his ability to catch it, and then his leadership in the locker room? All of that is going to play and pay huge dividends for him moving forward.”