The 2024 NFL Draft is over. While the NFL Draft nerds are preparing for next year’s draft, the fantasy football world is knee-deep in dynasty rookie drafts.
While Jonathon Brooks and Trey Benson are the clear-cut top two running backs in this year’s draft class, Blake Corum and MarShawn Lloyd are battling it out for the right to be the RB3.
Which running back should fantasy players take when on the clock in the second round? Let’s dive into it.
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Blake Corum Fantasy Football Outlook
Corum nearly declared for the 2023 NFL Draft but returned to Michigan for one final season. The star running back set career highs in rushing attempts (258) and touchdowns (27). He led the country in rushing scores. Corum ended his college career with 58 rushing touchdowns in 45 games.
BLAKE CORUM COULD NOT BE STOPPED‼️
Michigan takes the lead in OT 👀 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/FfeVQlHAAQ
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024
Unfortunately, the former Michigan star didn’t land a starting role during the NFL Draft. He was a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams. Kyren Williams is coming off an outstanding season, leading the NFL in rushing yards per game (95.3). However, the Rams want to lighten his workload after the star running back missed four games because of injuries in 2023.
MarShawn Lloyd Fantasy Football Outlook
Lloyd started his college career at South Carolina before transferring to USC last season. The talented running back had back-to-back seasons with nine rushing touchdowns to end his college career. While he never had over 900 rushing yards in a season, Lloyd averaged over seven yards per rushing attempt at USC.
The dynamic runner was a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Draft. Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs this offseason and released Aaron Jones. While A.J. Dillon signed a one-year deal to return, Lloyd should be the No. 2 running back for the Packers in Week 1. Head coach Matt LaFleur has praised Lloyd’s abilities in the passing game.
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur on RB MarShawn Lloyd:
“I think he gives us an element out of the backfield… Just gives us a little different flavor, maybe.” pic.twitter.com/mry9SK4sCI
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) April 28, 2024
Should I Draft Blake Corum or MarShawn Lloyd?
Fantasy players should like both running backs. While neither guy will be the starter in 2024 without an injury, Lloyd has a better long-term upside. Corum won’t be the starter in 2025 unless Williams falls flat on his face. However, Lloyd could be Green Bay’s starter a year from now.
Jacobs’ contract has an out after the 2024 season, allowing the Packers to move on with little penalty. Lloyd could become the featured guy on a young and upcoming offense in 2025 if he impresses the coaching staff as a rookie.
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