Rams Roster Preview: RB Benny Cunningham

Not too many people expected much from last year's undrafted free agent running back Benny Cunningham. Some people didn't even expect him to make the final 53 man roster. Cunningham had a solid preseason where he had 20 carries for 123 yards. Although Cunningham wasn't an all-star, he showed enough to stick on the roster and even made some big plays when the Rams needed them.

Opportunity knocked for Cunningham when Stacy went down with an injury. Cunningham used his chance to have two solid back to back games against the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. Those were the only two times where he was "The Guy", but he looked pretty good when he got his chance.

Roster Battle

Cunningham will more than likely be competing with Isaiah Pead for the 3rd running back spot on the depth chart. He should easily be able to fend off Pead. Cunningham may also have a outside shot for the backup role to Zac Stacy, it all depends on Tre Mason. If Mason has a bad training camp, then it wouldn't be a surprise to me if Cunningham leaped past him for the backup role.

Expectations

I expect around the same amount of production for Cunningham, and more than likely he'll be behind rookie Tre Mason on the the depth chart.

If there's an injury and Cunningham has to come into a game, I don't see him being a big downgrade as a fill in starter. He's a close clone of Stacy, since they are both "bell-cow" type running backs and their running style is similar.

Will he make the Rams roster in 2014?

Yes, he will make the roster. Cunningham is a solid back, and he should be a solid insurance policy for the Rams.