The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Pace traded up in the third round from No. 87 overall to No. 73 overall to select Iowa State running back, David Montgomery.
Montgomery now joins a Bears roster that includes Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis and will be the perfect weapon for coach Matt Nagy’s offense. His combination of inside and outside running ability, along with his reliable receiving skill set, project well as a three-down running back.
Montgomery ran for 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2018, bringing his college totals to 2,925 yards and 26 scores.
The Bears traded Jordan Howard earlier this offseason and were long pegged as a team most likely to add a running back in the 2019 draft. Montgomery, who ranked as the second or third-best running back in this year’s class among draft analysts, wasn’t expected to last until Chicago’s selection at No. 87. The Bears probably didn’t think he would, either, and made the aggressive move to trade up with the Patriots to get him.
Montgomery will challenge for reps with the first team in training camp and is a good bet to be the opening day starter when Chicago welcomes the Packers to Soldier Field in Week 1.
