Philadelphia Eagles: 7 Prospects to target in 2019 NFL Draft

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 18: Head Coach Doug Pederson talks with Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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AMES, IA – OCTOBER 27: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones breaks away from linebacker Dakota Allen #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders while rising for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 40-31 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

3. David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

Jay Ajayi was always on borrowed time since being drafted by the Dolphins in 2015. After tearing his ACL in 2018, the likelihood of Ajayi coming back relies on health and the money he wants. Josh Adams looked promising, but the team lost faith in him down the stretch — specifically in the playoffs. The team can’t rely on wily vet Darren Sproles, while Wendell Smallwood is merely a solid rotation guy.

In the Eagles offense, running backs accounted for 83 targets in the passing game, with Smallwood leading the bunch with 28 catches. Additionally, The Eagles run a man on man wham concept, a.k.a. “Pizza Theory.” So, a back like David Montgomery provides them with a guy who can do it all.

What Montgomery does well is set the tone with his powerful, aggressive, downhill style of running. The Eagles’ offensive concepts would minimize Montgomery’s weaknesses (explosiveness) and maximize his strengths (patience and power).

As a matter of fact, Montgomery gives the Eagles the tenacity at running back they had with LeGarrette Blount and Ajayi during the Super Bowl run. He’s a leg-churning power back with solid vision. Moreover, he’s displayed soft hands. While not perfect, he’s shown that he’s a reliable receiver.

Montgomery is a Day 2 or 3 prospect, at one point he was a back no one was talking about. However, without a third round pick, the Eagles will have to draft him in the second round.

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