Versatile Patriots rookie QB doesn't care what position he plays

New England Patriots undrafted rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham has been one of the most intriguing players in the NFL this preseason, and it is looking like he has a strong possibility to stick on the roster in a hybrid, Taysom Hill type of role.

While some players who have a quarterback background tend to shy away from such roles, Cunningham seems completely committed to doing whatever it will take to get him on the field for the Patriots.

Cunningham was asked about his preferred position following Friday's preseason finale, and he emphasized that he is a football player who is willing to do whatever the Patriots want or need, via NBC sports:

“No,” he said. “I’m a football player. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do it. . . . I feel like I did good over those three games. A lot to learn from, a lot to take on the chin, a lot of things I did good, a lot more things I need to work on as a quarterback or receiver, wherever they put me at.”

Cunningham was a four-year starter at Louisville, throwing for 9,964 yards and 70 touchdowns. He also broke Lamar Jackson's school record for most rushing touchdowns. 

In the preseason for New England, he has gotten his hands on the football as a quarterback, wide receiver and runner and has showed the type of versatility that Bill Belichick loves to have in his players. 

That "I will do anything" mindset will also probably win him some favor from the Patriots coaching staff.

His performance in three preseason games has been a bit of a mixed bag. He has completed three of six passes for 19 yards, while also rushing for 39 yards on six carries. He has struggled a bit more as a wide receiver, catching just one of the nine passes thrown his direction. 

But given how much the Patriots offense struggled a year ago with Mac Jones at quarterback, and given how they might be desperate to get creative to generate offense, having a dual-threat player who can be utilized in different ways might be a good way to jumpstart things offensively.