Bears get Cohen new running mate in Montgomery

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.

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.