Trey Benson vs. Blake Corum: A Comprehensive Comparison

By Jason Bolton April 14, 2024 12:34

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

When it comes to evaluating the better running back between Trey Benson and Blake Corum, it's essential to delve into various facets of their playing styles, strengths, and potential impact at the professional level.

Both Benson and Corum have demonstrated exceptional skill sets and achievements, making them stand out as top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Physical Attributes and Athleticism

Trey Benson: At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Benson possesses the ideal physical build and athleticism of an NFL bell-cow back. His impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds underscores his rare combination of size and speed.
Blake Corum: Corum, standing at 5-foot-7 and 210 pounds, may be considered undersized compared to traditional NFL running backs. However, his toughness, feistiness, and ability to break tackles have been notable attributes throughout his college career.

College Performance and Statistics

Trey Benson: Benson's standout 2022 season at Florida State showcased his dynamic playmaking abilities. He concluded the season with a remarkable 91.3 rushing grade and an exceptional 0.51 missed tackles forced per attempt, the highest average recorded by PFF in the past 10 years.
Blake Corum: Despite a late-season knee injury, Corum's performance for Michigan in 2022 earned him recognition as a top draft prospect. He obtained the second-highest rushing grade in the FBS at 95.7, trailing only first-round pick Bijan Robinson. Corum's ability to consistently force missed tackles and maintain high yards after contact averages over the past two seasons has been impressive.

Running Style and Skill Set

Trey Benson: Benson's running style is characterized by his vision, patience, and footwork, allowing him to consistently find open space and make defenders miss when in the open field. His adequate long speed, combined with his playmaking mentality, positions him as a compelling prospect with RB1 potential.
Blake Corum: Corum's playing style is marked by incredible contact balance, exceptional vision, and quick footwork. Despite his smaller stature, he has demonstrated the ability to excel in a run-heavy offense, with the capacity to take on 20-30 carries per game and display sharp cutting ability through holes.

Potential Impact in the NFL

Trey Benson: With his size-speed combination and impressive college performance, Benson emerges as a candidate with the potential to be a significant asset for an NFL team. However, there is room for development in terms of patience and vision to solidify his role as a three-down running back.
Blake Corum: Corum's toughness, feistiness, and ability to break tackles, coupled with his developed vision and short-burst acceleration, position him as a prospect capable of making an impact at the professional level. His experience in a pro-style offensive scheme and proven ability to handle heavy workloads contribute to his potential as a valuable asset for an NFL team.

Both Trey Benson and Blake Corum exhibit distinct qualities and potential that make them compelling prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.

While Benson boasts a rare size-speed combination and exceptional playmaking abilities, Corum's toughness, vision, and ability to thrive in a run-heavy offense highlight his potential to excel at the professional level.

Ultimately, the decision on who is the better running back between Benson and Corum may depend on the specific needs and preferences of NFL teams, as well as their ability to maximize the unique skill sets that each player brings to the table.