We know that opportunity is crucial for running backs, especially those entering Year 2. In David Montgomery’s rookie season, he totaled the 12th-most opportunities at 277. Montgomery posted two RB1 performances (12%), with three RB2 games (19%). However, he had a low floor of 7.2 PPR/G or an RB3 or worst in 69% of those contests. He averaged -1.5 FPOE/G (No. 128), partly due to the team context and inefficiency. Yet, Montgomery’s 12.4 EP/G (No. 23) provided optimism in the high-value touch department and projected usage. Can we find another rookie who follows a Montgomery-type path?
It turns out that a 2022 rookie running back followed a similar path with volume and inefficiency on one of the worst offenses.