Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay made a surprising declaration on Tuesday following roster cuts. Superstar ball-carrier Kyren Williams will be the team's punt returner this season. It's excellent news for rookie running back Blake Corum, who should see an increased role as a result.
Sean McVay says Kyren Williams will be the Rams’ punt returner.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 27, 2024
Last year's starting punt returner was Austin Trammell, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in June. Williams actually began last season as the punt returner, playing there during Weeks 1-3, returning three opportunities for 21 yards. The Rams eventually removed him from special teams as he developed into their feature back.
It's worth acknowledging Williams still handled a large-ish workload while he returned punts. He played 86% of the offensive snaps throughout that time frame, earning 39 carries and 19 passing-game targets, according to Mike Clay. It's probably safe to envision a similar snap-share moving forward.
Sophomore undrafted wide receiver Xavier Smith served as the team's punt returner throughout the preseason. Smith was electric, accumulating the 10th-most all-purpose yards in the league, including 73 yards via three punt returns. That didn't prevent him from being released during Tuesday's cut-down day, but he'll likely be re-signed to the practice squad, offering McVay an alternative returner should he change his mind.
Corum did not play in the preseason despite being healthy and available to do so. It speaks volumes of McVay’s belief in his abilities. Reports from training camp were overwhelmingly positive. The former Michigan standout began working with the second-team offense, but steadily climbed the depth chart. By the conclusion of camp, Corum was receiving first-string reps alongside Williams.
Expect Williams to handle just a slightly lesser workload this season while taking on a more prominent special teams role. The ex-Notre Dame product averaged roughly 21.7 touches per game last season. Accounting for under two punt returns per game, Williams should still average about 18-19 opportunities per outing. That creates scenarios for Corum to make an impact.
I think Nathan is right on the money here. In an average Rams season we’re talking 1.5-1.8 returned punts per game. Blake Corum will be involved and Kyren Williams won’t average 21.7 touches per game like he did last year. He’s still a fantasy star at 18-19 touches. https://t.co/0zH0O2IqWY
— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) August 28, 2024
The Rams did not draft Corum with the No. 83 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft without the intention of getting him on the field. A third-round selection is a premium pick at a devalued running back position. Utilizing Williams' skill set as a punt returner is a creative way to locate more run-game opportunities for Corum.
McVay is always innovating his offense. Williams finished third in the league in rushing last year with 1,144 yards, but remember the initial intention was a timeshare with Cam Akers. Akers only played in the first game of the 2023 season, but he out-carried Williams 22-15. McVay would prefer to lessen the stress placed on one player.
Williams was simply too productive last season to be placed in a true timeshare, though. Expect a 75-25, maybe 80-20 split between him and Corum. McVay's rushing attack will be a critical point of emphasis again in 2024 after they averaged an 11th-ranked 120.3 ground yards per contest last season despite lacking a dual-threat quarterback.
Using Williams as a punt returner allows McVay to afford his most skilled playmaker a fresh way to make an impact. It also means slightly fewer carries and passing-game targets for Williams. Corum will be ready to capitalize on those reps.
