When Bears GM Ryan Pace saw Iowa State running back still sitting on the draft board in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he did what he does best: He traded up 14 spots to grab a versatile weapon for the Bears offense.
It was the fourth year in a row that Pace has traded up to go get his guy, and he has no regrets about his aggressive pursuit of a player that the Bears had been targeting throughout the draft process.
“We just knew that a player we really like was within reach,” Pace said. “Operating with that no-regrets mindset. When you get a guy like that we all like, we’re all on the same page with, you really don’t want to risk it.”
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com offered up his list of the 10 best fits from draft weekend, and Montgomery came in at No. 5.
Coach Matt Nagy upgraded the Bears’ RB1 position when he snagged Montgomery with a third-round pick. The Iowa State standout is a crafty three-down back with outstanding balance, body control and stop-start quickness. Additionally, Montgomery displays exceptional route-running ability and receiving skills out of the backfield, which makes him a dangerous weapon in a Bears offense that’s designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space.
There’s plenty to love about Montgomery, including his versatility as a running back in his ability to contribute as a three-down back and a pass catcher, as well as his character (he is an Eagle Scout.)
Montgomery joins a Bears backfield that includes Tarik Cohen, Mike Davis and new rookie Kerrith Whyte. Montgomery is expected to challenge for starter carries during training camp, and he’s expected to get a bulk of the carries once the regular season begins.
