The Chicago Bears selected running back David Montgomery out of Iowa State in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 73rd overall.
The Bears made a deal with the New England Patriots to jump up for Montgomery.
The Patriots have traded pick 73 to the Bears for picks 87, 162 and a 2020 fourth round pick, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 27, 2019
Chicago traded former starter Jordan Howard to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, leaving a hole beside playmaking scat back Tarik Cohen.
Montgomery brings far more elusiveness to Chicago's rushing attack than the straight-line runner Howard, and his pass-catching skills are far superior, which head coach Matt Nagy values in his backs.
Prospect profile
School: Iowa State
Height: 5-10
Weight: 222 lbs
Strengths
- Perhaps the class' most elusive running back - forces countless missed tackles using both power and quickness
- Built well and has a strong lower body
- Very shifty with his cuts
- Excellent balance through contact, which allows him to break tackles with ease
- Patient and sets up his blocks
- Experienced weapon in the passing game and has soft hands
- Great footwork in the backfield - very good in traffic
- Able to jump outside to edge if the initial hole isn't there
Weaknesses
- Lacked explosive plays in a weaker defensive conference
- Tested poorly athletically
- Average burst
- Vision needs work - can struggle to find the correct running lane
Bottom line
Montgomery is an excellent fit in today's NFL. His incredible body control and shiftiness in the open field make him a nightmare to defend. The former Iowa State rusher doubles as a legitimate receiving threat, making him an instant impact player at the next level. Montgomery has all the makings of a good prospect and is truly a three-down back, but may lack some juice to be a truly elite rusher.
