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David Montgomery Expected to Have Big Rookie Season

By Clyde A. Speller

AMES, IA - OCTOBER 27: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones breaks away from linebacker Dakota Allen #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders while rising for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 40-31 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 27: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones breaks away from linebacker Dakota Allen #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders while rising for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 40-31 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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The writing was on the wall, in regards to the Chicago Bears trading running back Jordan Howard, when the franchise pulled the trigger and signed former Seattle Seahawks running back Mike Davis. And of course, a couple of weeks later, the Bears did trade Howard to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, bringing in Davis didn’t seem to be enough to make general manager Ryan Pace feel totally comfortable about their group of running backs.

Fast forward to the 2019 NFL Draft, Chicago used their first pick (which was a third-round selection) on running back David Montgomery. The 73rd overall pick of the draft is believed to be a much better fit in Matt Nagy’s offense than Howard was. So good that Montgomery is receiving some high expectations from some people.

NFL Media Senior Analyst Gil Brandt predicts that Montgomery will have a very productive 2019 season. Brandt projects that the Iowa State product’s rookie campaign will end with him carrying the ball 275 times for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, Brandt expects Montgomery to lead all rookie running backs in rushing in 2019.

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These numbers definitely shows that Montgomery is expected to be the Bears’ starting running back, and a significant part of their offense. Even with Davis and Tarik Cohen getting their potential share of touches on offense, having the rookie projected to have 275 carries isn’t a far-fetched idea.

Last season, Howard had 250 carries for 935 yards and nine touchdowns, and he wasn’t considered a good fit in this scheme. Seeing that Montgomery is thought to be an upgrade from Howard, Nagy just may be tempted to have the offense run the ball more than it did in 2018. Therefore, resulting in the 22-year-old potentially having one of the best rookie seasons for a Chicago Bear in franchise history.

Of course, minicamp, training camp, and the preseason will give a much better indication of whether Montgomery will live up to these expectations. But so far, the arrow seems to be pointing in the right direction.

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