David Montgomery

1st Overall Running Back by Football Addicts

Born: June 7th, 1997 (21 years old)
Height: 5’11
Weight: 216 Lbs
Position: Running Back
University: Iowa State

About David

       The running back position has had its resurgence, each year seemingly popping out a new All Pro caliber back. David Montgomery is the biggest thing out of Ames since Troy Davis, and looks to be the next name on that list. Iowa State struck gold in this former 3 star prospect out of Cincinnati Ohio. David was lightly recruited, and found a home with the Cyclones. Once gaining the full time starting job in 2017, Montgomery broke off for 1,146 rushing yards 11 touchdowns, and 104 forced missed tackles. He followed this up with 1,216 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him back to back All Big-12 honors in 2017, and 2018. In a defensive studded draft class, the franchise that finds this gem will be reaping for years to come.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

       One of the most elusive running backs in the past decade of college football. Montgomery already possesses a beautiful cut move, and has elite ball carrier vision. In 2017, the former Cyclone forced 101 missed tackles on 294 touches, leading all collegiate backs. Iowa State never was able to surround Montgomery with an elite offensive line, forcing him to have to make most of those missed tackles behind the line of scrimmage. At his time at ISU, he showed he can be a 3rd down back as well as he caught 71 passes and is a strong enough pass blocker to leave on the field.

Weaknesses

       In his 3 seasons at Iowa State, he never showed break away speed. I doubt his home run ability, even though he is very good at breaking tackles. He will also be 22 at the start of the 2019 season with nearly 700 touches in his collegiate career. This is more of a minor red flag than a weakness as well.

NFL Draft Projection/NFL Comp

NFL Draft Projection

       Though the running back position is gaining it’s value back in the league, I think Montgomery might get the short end of the stick this draft. Even with being the first running back off the board, don’t expect him to be called around the 22nd pick with the Ravens. If not Baltimore, teams like the Colts, the Raiders, and Chiefs all could be in the market for a running back like Montgomery.

NFL Comparison

       I have seen Montgomery get comparisons with praise as high as Saquan Barkley, but I think his lack of speed makes that a stretch. Due to his sub 4.5 speed, and heavier set build, I see a lot of comparisons to Jay Ajayi. Both backs carried their teams offensive, and walk into the NFL with close to the same number of touches. They both rarely will break off 40+ yard touchdown runs, but can still manage to be a pain to bring down. NFL teams looking for a back that will wear down defenses, and rush a team into the ground should be drooling over this back come April.