2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: RB Darrell Henderson, understudy

With the 70th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected RB Darrell Henderson, or as I like to refer to him, the insurance policy for RB Todd Gurley’s knee.

That’s unfair to Henderson, because it’s obvious that he is so much more than just a potential backup in the event of the probability that Gurley’s knee goes sideways either literally or figuratively. But it’s hard not to see the drafting of a similar back to Gurley through the lens of Todd Gurley’s knee problems.

But even if he is there only to provide a few snaps of rest for Gurley, or if something more dramatic happens and he has to step in full time to Gurley’s shoes, he is more than capable of running the plays that are usually given to Gurley.

Roster Battle

Here’s where it’s interesting. As I noted above and Sosa noted back in April, Henderson is basically an unproven (in the NFL) Todd Gurley. He’s not complimentary or a change-of-pace like Malcolm Brown. If the Rams are looking to have someone who can do the same things Gurley can so that TGIII can rest or in case of disaster, is there really any battle for him?

I don’t think so.

Short of not making a good adjustment to the NFL and missing expectations, he’s got a cleat in.

Expectations

Based on what I’ve seen, he’s a talented back. He’s good after a hit, and he fits perfectly with how the Rams like to run their offense. I think he’s going to show he can hold his own in the NFL and come up close to Gurley in terms of performance.

Chances of making the final roster (9/10)

I have a hard time seeing a way he doesn’t make the final roster. He’s good, and the Rams are trying to save themselves a search at the end of the season.