PHX Reporter

Trey Benson snapped off a 19-yard run in the first quarter of the preseason game in Indianapolis. In hindsight, it was not good enough.

"I've got to finish those runs," Benson said. "Show that speed that I have."

That will come (as will finishing the 20-yard run down near the goal line, a run that was ultimately negated by a holding penalty). Benson flashed what made him the second running back taken in the draft, more so against the Colts than in the opener against the Saints when he was "probably a little timid."

"I'm still learning, still maturing," Benson said.

Benson, on both the depth chart and what has been shown in the preseason, should be the top reserve running back behind James Conner. But the overall effort to build up the running back room has not only been successful; it leaves Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon with difficult choices when you throw in Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and DeeJay Dallas.

Conner is not only the heart and soul of the running game but also of the offense. The other three veterans all bring important aspects. It's clear Gannon loves Demercado as a pass protector; Demercado earned his playing time as an undrafted rookie. Carter is known for his speed (aside from Benson) and agility, showing time and again in his few carries last season that he can provide a deadly dimension. Dallas excels on special teams and has demonstrated this consistently during training camp.

Keeping five running backs isn't usual, but Dallas as a special teamer could help make this situation an exception. Can any of them clear waivers and make it to the practice squad if that is what Ossenfort wanted to try?

However it turns out, the Cardinals will have their best running back room in years. And why wouldn't they after finishing top five in rushing last season and aiming to improve this season?

Benson is only going to help with that too.

The rookie was asked what his perfect run would be, and he noted he'd rather juke a defender than run one over using his speed.

"I just want to see green grass, really," Benson said.

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