Mike Davis is like any other competitor. He wants to play. That's why he signed with the Chicago Bears. He felt they would give him a genuine opportunity to get more action on the field. Something that hasn't really happened for most of his career to this point. A former 4th round pick, he was used to being the guy during his time at South Carolina.
That changed when he arrived in San Francisco. Suddenly he was stuck on a depth chart that included Carlos Hyde, Shaun Draughn, and DuJuan Harris. All guys who'd gotten there before him. His chances of ever seeing the field were slim. It's why he left after just two years. Davis signed in Seattle in 2017 in hopes that he might get an opportunity.
It took another year but it finally happened in 2018. He ran for over 500 yards, averaging 4.6 per carry. The production was enough to garner interest from a number of teams when he became a free agent in March. One of them being the Carolina Panthers. However, they had Christian McCaffrey so his role there would be limited.
The Bears though. They were overhauling the position. A perfect chance for an unheralded back to get his chance. So they signed him for $6 million. However, this had to come with the understanding that they might draft somebody to the position in April, right?
Mike Davis knew Montgomery was possible and admits it was a great pick
Indeed the Bears were apparently crystal clear about their intentions. He was kept notified throughout the draft and wasn't caught off guard when David Montgomery was picked 73rd overall in the 3rd round. If anything as he's gotten to witness the rookie's talent first-hand, he realizes the team made a good call. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained.
“Um, come in and … I can’t really tell you,” said Davis, who signed with the Bears during free agency in March. “That’s the secret. We’ll see when we get there. Just know I am going to be very happy once the season starts. I just can’t wait till we kill it with me, Reek (Tarik Cohen) and David.
“They were very upfront with me what was going on in the draft. I knew 100 percent what was going on. I didn’t know exactly who, but watching from the film, I can tell from practice, (Montgomery) is legit. Everything as advertised.”
Hearing such words from a draft expert is one thing. Hearing it from another running back. One who knows that guy is competition for his job? It speaks volumes both about Montgomery's ability and Davis' mentality. This should be a fun season watching those two learn how to mesh.
