2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB David Montgomery
Strength 1: Yards after contact
It’s hard to find a better running back in this draft class after contact than David Montgomery. 710 of Montgomery’s 2018 rushing yards came after contact.
When Montgomery takes a hit, he has the ability to bump off of it and push his momentum forward rather than down.
Flip to the 1:04 mark of this highlight video.
Montgomery is wrapped around the legs, and instead of his body going down he is able to put his hand on the ground to push himself forward. This is a rare ability.
NFL teams will be all over a runner who gives it 100% and doesn’t stop running until he is forced down. Montgomery is that type of runner.
Strength 2: Pass Catching
In today’s NFL, it is critical for running backs to not only run the ball well but catch it well. Montgomery has done that. He hauled in 71 catches for 582 yards in three seasons at Iowa State.
Not only does Montgomery catch the ball, but when he does he is dangerous.
What may seem like a simple screenplay truly isn’t easy for many running backs. Some look forward to see where the defense is rather than keep their eyes on the ball resulting in a drop or worse a fumble if the ball is thrown to them behind the line of scrimmage. Montgomery watches the ball into his chest and then explodes for a significant gain by keeping his eyes upfield and protecting the football.
Montgomery’s mix of quickness and balance also helps him the passing game as he can make men miss when in space. NFL scouts should be all over this aspect of his game.
Strength 3: Patience
The last big strength of Montgomery’s is his football IQ. A trait that is critical as an NFL back is patience.
Having the ability to be patient and wait for your blockers to do their job is sometimes hard to find in running backs. Montgomery is great at that. Flip to the 2:01 mark.
Montgomery could take off to the outside and still possibly score. Instead, he waits for his blockers by taking a small stutter step. After that steps, the blocks are developed, and Montgomery lowers his shoulder into the end zone.
Montgomery is a intelligent back who knows to wait for his blockers. That will not go unnoticed.