Chicago Bears Draft: Reasoning behind every 2019 draft pick

There are several reasons why the Bears drafted David Montgomery.

Maybe the most glaring reason, overall, is how he compares to former Bears running back Jordan Howard.

If you have been on social media lately, you may have seen some odd, incorrect comparisons between the two backs. Some folks, namely Packers “sources,” try to fool Green Bay fans into thinking these two are the same player — they are incredibly far off.

Here’s the biggest difference between the two.

Howard played behind a very good offensive line last year. The Bears have improved up front over the last couple of years, and Howard should have taken advantage in 2018 — he didn’t. In fact, Howard ended last year with the worst yards-per-carry average of his career at just 3.7.

Now, take a look at Montgomery. He came from an Iowa State program which featured a poor offensive line and he was the featured presentation game-in and game-out. Between he and wide receiver Hakeem Butler, that was the Cyclones’ offense. It was the Montgomery-Butler show every week, playing behind a below-average offensive line.

Montgomery ended his career at 4.7 yards per carry on 624 carries, and never fell below a 4.4 average in any season.

Sure, Montgomery is impossible to tackle. He actually broke a PFF record for most broken tackles in college with a ridiculous 185 broken tackles in his final two seasons at Iowa State. Montgomery has shown he can catch the ball, and he has another gear once he gets past the second level.

But, the biggest reason why the Bears selected him is because they needed someone to replace Howard who not only possessed characteristics of a lead back, but was even better than Howard. Montgomery is a much better fit, and has proven he has all the necessary tools to be a starting running back — even behind a porous offensive line.