NFL Draft: Top 25 prospects from the Big 12

David Montgomery is a stout 5-foot-11, 216-pound running back who runs with plenty of effort and power. That strength vaulted him to top the Big 12 in forced missed tackles in 2018, per Pro Football Focus – nearly twice as many as second place.

Montgomery capped off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons by recording 1,216 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2018, and importantly, over 700 of his yards came after first contact. But don’t pigeonhole Montgomery as only a brute-force runner; he’s also a reliable receiver. Having experience catching out of the backfield and even from the slot, Montgomery boasts the ability to take advantage of linebackers and rack up plenty of yards after a catch.

Montgomery will likely find himself most utilized early in his NFL career as a third-down change-of-pace running back. However, if given the opportunity to use his broad, versatile skillset, Montgomery could be a reincarnation of James Connor or Melvin Gordon – doubling as a threat running and catching the ball.

A barnburner Montgomery is not, but an improved sprint time and impressing during the other athletic tests at the combine could give him some first round buzz.