With The First Pick
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2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB David Montgomery

By Aaron Gershon

AMES, IA - OCTOBER 14: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones dives into the end zone for a touchdown as safety Bryce Torneden #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks blocks in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 14: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones dives into the end zone for a touchdown as safety Bryce Torneden #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks blocks in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Jalen McCleskey #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys tackles running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Oklahoma State Cowboys won 49-42 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Jalen McCleskey #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys tackles running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Oklahoma State Cowboys won 49-42 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Floor: Laurence Maroney

A former first-round selection of the New England Patriots, Laurence Maroney, is one of the biggest running back busts in recent history.

Maroney only played five seasons in the NFL split between New England and the Denver Broncos after being selected 21st overall in 2006. He never ran for 1,000 yards in a season as injuries, off the field issues and poor play did him in.

In a lot of ways, David Montgomery and Maroney are similar. Maroney like Montgomery is 5’11 and was more of a ground and pound back than a speed back. His lack of speed caught up to him as he took big hit after big hit.

Montgomery will look to avoid this being his final comparison when all is set and done.

Celling: James Connor 

As mentioned earlier there’s a lot of James Connor similarities when watching David Montgomery.

Connor is one of the best backs in the NFL at keeping his balance and getting yards after contact. Montgomery was one of the best in the college game to do.

Like Montgomery, Connor doesn’t blow you away with speed though he is taller than Montgomery the way the two stay on their feet after tackles is nearly identical. Connor is a pro bowl back who stepped into the starting role on short notice and made a seamless transition. Thus, if Montgomery can become a James Connor type, he’s on his way to a great NFL career.

Team Fits: Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles & Buffalo Bills

The team fits for Montgomery, of course, are going to be the squads that need running backs. One of those is the Miami Dolphins. Frank Gore is 35 and recovering from a season-ending injury while Kenyan Drake is inconsistent. The Dolphins have a strong offensive line and can benefit from bringing in a young core of playmakers.

The Eagles are another interesting fit. Jay Ajayi will be a free agent, and Darren Sproles is nearing the end of his career, Philadelphia will need a future starter at the tailback position, and Montgomery can be just that.

Finally, there are the Bills. Lesean Mccoy has struggled to stay on the field as he enters his 30’s and without him, the Bills haven’t been able to run the ball outside of when quarterback Josh Allen takes off. To take some pressure off of Allen, the Bills will likely draft a running back in 2019. Montgomery may just be their man.

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