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2019 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 3

By Shawn Spencer

LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 21: David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones makes the catch for a touchdown during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 21, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 21: David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones makes the catch for a touchdown during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 21, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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David Montgomery 2019 NFL Draft
AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 3: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones rushes for yards as defensive end D.J. Ward #87 of the Oklahoma Sooners defends in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 3, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

David Montgomery (RB – Iowa State) vs. Oklahoma

In one of the most surprising upsets of the 2017 season, Iowa State knocked off a previously unbeaten Oklahoma. In that game, the Cyclones won it with an aerial attack that generated 368 yards. With quarterback Kyle Kempt battling injury, much of the offensive workload is going to rest on the shoulders of David Montgomery; one of the top running back prospects eligible for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Montgomery has some work to do as Iowa State’s offensive line didn’t do him any favors in a season-opening loss last week to Iowa. The junior tailback carried the ball 17 times for just 44 yards. He also carried the ball 17 times against Oklahoma last season, faring only slightly better with 55 yards on the ground.

Where Montgomery did make an impact was in passing situations. He caught a game-high seven passes, picking up 89 yards versus the Sooners last time around. Montgomery also displayed very good blocking skills, something the NFL will certainly be looking at.

In order for Montgomery and Iowa State to pull off another upset, they’ll need a more balanced attack on offense.

Similar to the quarterback battle between Will Grier and Ryan Finley that won’t happen this week, this game was supposed to feature potentially the first two running backs selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Weather isn’t the issue here however, as Oklahoma’s Rodney Anderson suffered a season-ending knee injury last week against UCLA.

With Anderson out, all eyes will be on Montgomery to see if he can lead the Cyclones to an upset win over the Sooners for the second consecutive year.

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