5 running backs the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft

David Montgomery (Iowa State)

Measurements:

• Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 222 pounds

2018 Stats:

• 257 carries, 1,216 yards (4.7 average), 13 touchdowns
• 22 catches, 157 yards (7.1 yards)

Montgomery is a bigger sized back and he’s not a burner, but he has functional long speed. At this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, he was clocked at 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash. but he appears much faster on tape.

Montgomery runs with good power and vision and he has also displayed soft hands throughout his collegiate career. During his time as a Cyclone, Montgomery rushed for 2,925 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. He was also a threat as a receiver, hauling in 71 passes for 582 yards.

Montgomery will get on the field plenty as a rookie in the NFL and the reason why is because of his pass blocking. He’s an exceptional pass blocker. He keeps a low, powerful base and uses his strong hands to punch defenders with relentless aggression.

He’ll be great on third downs as he can help keep his quarterback upright as well as being a threat as a receiver or runner, and that’ll keep opposing defenses guessing.

Montgomery will be attractive to a lot of teams at this year’s draft. He will likely come off the board sometime between rounds two and four, depending on whether or not there’s an early run on ball carriers.

The Vikings should be very interested in this guy, as he would be a great compliment to Dalvin Cook. He can not only be a change-of-pace back for Minnesota, but his dual-threat ability would allow him to come in for a couple of series a game and help keep Cook fresh and healthy for an entire season.