Jim Harbaugh Expected to Aggressively Pursue Familiar Face in Draft
The Chargers reshaped their backfield this offseason, bringing in Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. However, the Chargers might have an eye on a player Jim Harbaugh coached in college.
By Jovan Alford
The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t been shy about retooling their roster this offseason. Los Angeles has let go of multiple offensive starters from last year’s squad (Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Gerald Everett) and has somewhat done an adequate job of replacing them (Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, and Hayden Hurst).
At the running back spot, Edwards and Dobbins won’t entirely make up for Ekeler’s production, who is one of the more versatile running backs in the NFL. However, Edwards and Dobbins are familiar with Greg Roman’s system from their time in Baltimore, which should hopefully give the Chargers’ offense a leg up on the ground.
At the same time, the Chargers could use another running back behind those two as Edwards hasn’t been a full-time starter in his career, while Dobbins has only played in nine games total over the last two years.
The Chargers won’t draft a running back at No. 5 but do not put it out of the realm of possibility for them to take a running back on Day 3, where they have six picks. If that’s the case keep an eye out for Michigan running back Blake Corum.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on Wednesday that he’s spoken to scouts from multiple teams who think Corum might be the best running back in this year’s class and believe the Chargers will do what it takes to reunite him with Harbaugh.
With uncertainty around Dobbins’ health, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Los Angeles to take a chance on Corum, whom Harbaugh had the opportunity to coach in Ann Arbor. Last season as a senior, the 5-foot-8 running back produced 1,245 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns on 258 carries.
As a junior in 2022, Corum had 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns on 247 carries. He was part of an impressive running back duo at Michigan, which featured Donovan Edwards. Corum hasn’t been discussed often leading up to the draft, but the fit with the Chargers makes too much sense.
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