Ty Montgomery: Dynamic all-purpose threat turned stud running back

Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery has found an identity in the NFL that no one saw coming. The former all-purpose threat is now a stud RB…

Ty Montgomery is one of the most interesting athletes in the NFL right now. A third round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2015 NFL Draft, Montgomery was somewhat without a ‘true’ position heading into the NFL, though he showed himself very capable of making plays anytime he had the football in his hands.

Leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, our own George Stockburger wrote this about Montgomery in his evaluations:

“Montgomery might be the most versatile player coming out of this years draft and has turned into a human highlight-reel. At 6’2”, the senior out of Stanford has proven to be both versatile and dynamic in the receiving, rushing, and return game. He can set up as an outside receiver, in the backfield as a running back, or as a teams’ top kick returner.”

Despite being known for his versatility in college, Montgomery entered the NFL as a receiver and appeared to be on a positive trajectory with the Packers despite some injury issues. He played in just six games as a rookie, but showed promise, catching a pair of touchdowns and looking like yet another weapon in an already excellent passing game.

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Now, Montgomery has evolved significantly. After a variety of injuries at the running back position, the Packers saw an opportunity to get the ball in Montgomery’s hands more, and all of a sudden, no. 88 was lining up behind Aaron Rodgers and carrying the ball like a running back.

And he has been doing it better than most, if we’re honest…

Montgomery averaged nearly six yards per carry, and nearly eight yards per reception moving from receiver to running back full-time. The Packers can still line Montgomery up as a receiver out wide or in the slot at any point, they can still put him on returns if they want, but he’s become a featured back and one of the most interesting players in the league.

As the Packers ride a white hot streak into the NFC Championship Game on Sunday against the Falcons, of course Aaron Rodgers has been rightfully getting the attention. Montgomery, though, also deserves some of the credit. He emerged this year as the Packers’ leading rusher despite only 77 attempts, and has shown that he can be a lead back in the NFL, able to break off big plays but also gain tough yards between the tackles.

This is an incredible example of scouting, coaching, and adaptability on the part of Montgomery to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

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