We entered the preseason with high hopes for David Montgomery. In his first NFL action, the rookie did nothing but raise our expectations. Montgomery was the Bears offensive engine when on the field, racking up 41 of the team’s 49 yards on their first scoring drive.
In the process, he confirmed everything that had us drooling. First, he flashed his three-down abilities with a beautifully executed screen for 23 yards. Later, he capped off the drive with a gorgeous 7-yard scamper, displaying the tight-quarters elusiveness and contact balance that’s led to Kareem Hunt comparisons.
In short, Montgomery affirmed his workhorse potential within this explosive offense. He’s going to be a Day One stud.
Granted, Montgomery’s beastly drive came with and against mostly second-stringers. We need to confirm he’ll maintain such an extensive role once Tarik Cohen and co return.
Nonetheless, Montgomery instantly proved he belongs at this level. Nagy has constantly preached about becoming less-predictable in his backfield, and Montgomery showed he’ll help achieve this goal.
Last year, Jordan Howard received 250 carries (6th most) despite defining “one-dimensional.” Montgomery could do so much damage with these rushing opportunities, especially with infinite more receiving upside than Howard.
So yes, it was only one drive. But Montgomery flashed everything we’d want to see that could make him Nagy’s next Kareem Hunt. As such, the upside is truly astronomical, and he’s among fantasy’s biggest bargains with his 50+ ADP and ECR. He now slides in at 28 on my latest Big Board, and will be a league-winner if his price does not change.
