2024 NFL Draft: University of Michigan RB Blake Corum Comes With Lingering Knee Concerns

University of Michigan running back Blake Corum will likely come with longevity concerns based on the seriousness of the knee injury he suffered in college, according to our panel of doctors with past NFL draft experience.

Corum’s physical examination at the Combine will be a key for any team looking to draft the man who scored 45 combined rushing touchdowns over his final two college seasons.

Barring injury, he is not a risk to last his short-term rookie deal, but it would be a surprise to see him get a meaningful contract beyond that because of concerns over his 2022 knee injury, according to our panel of doctors.

He does not yet have a legitimately debilitating knee issue, such as Sony Michel or Todd Gurley, but with the wear-and-tear of the NFL schedule Corum’s situation could turn that way quickly.

Don’t be surprised to see the projected 2nd round pick slide in the draft if his medicals don’t assure team’s that he is fully past the surgery that ended his 2022 college season.

Blake Corum Injury History

On Nov. 19, 2022 against Illinois, Corum suffered a left knee bone bruise with an associated meniscus tear.

He attempted to warm up for the second half, but saw just limited action before the end of the game.

Corum did have two carries in a decoy role the following week against Ohio State, but underwent season ending surgery on Dec. 1, 2022.

He went on Adam Schefter’s podcast on Dec. 20 and revealed the torn meniscus diagnosis.

Corum was medically cleared for action last July and went on to play in all 15 games during the 2023 season, although he averaged 4.8 yards per carry compared to 5.9 in 2022.

Corum’s only other injury of note came on Nov. 6, 2021, when he suffered a right high ankle sprain against Indiana that kept him out until Nov. 27, 2021.

He recovered well from that injury and had 6 carries for 87 yards against Ohio State in that game. The right high ankle sprain should not affect him during his NFL career and could actually lead to a quicker recovery timeline if he suffers a similar ankle injury to that side.

Blake Corum’s College Stats

The 5-foot-8 rusher had 26 carries for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns during his freshman season at Michigan, then followed it up with 952 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns plus 24 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown in 2021.

He finished 7th in Heisman voting in 2022 with 1,463 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns and 11 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Last season, he finished 9th in Heisman voting with 1,245 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns and 16 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.

As of late February, 6.7% of mock drafts had him getting selected in the 1st round with the consensus projection for him to go in the 2nd round, according to Mock Draft Database.

His elite vision and tough running style may entice teams to select him before Day 2, despite his concerning knee injury and lack of size.