(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Stanford receiver/return specialist Ty Montgomery
Name: Ty Montgomery
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Stanford
Height/Weight: 5-11 / 221
Age:22
Honors: Montgomery won the 2013 Johnny Rodgers Award as the nation's most outstanding return specialist. He was an All-American return specialist in 2013.
Key stat:He finished his career as the Pac-12 all-time leader in kickoff return yards (2,493) and scored five career touchdowns on both punts and kickoff returns.
Did You Know: Montgomery went to Pro Day with the Cowboys on April 10 since his hometown is Dallas after playing at St. Marks School of Texas, where he became a four-star recruit.
Where He's Projected:Like most mid-round prospects, Montgomery can be evaluated all over the map, depending on team needs. For teams that could use a return specialist, Montgomery will probably be valued much higher because he's arguably the best return man in this draft. If that isn't a need and he's rated mostly as a receiver, he might fall to the fifth round or later. But his versatility, combined with good size and speed could sneak him into the end of Day 2.
How He Helps the Cowboys:Losing Dwayne Harris in free agency, the Cowboys have a need for both punt and kick return specialists. If they had to play a game now, the club would likely find running backs such as Dunbar or Randle to return kicks and Cole Beasley could handle the punts but Harris served as both, and was also the team's top special teams tackler. Montgomery could help right away as a primary returner and could likely replace Harris' role in the offense as a spot receiver with the ability to block.
Scout's Take:Some balance with the ball in his hands. Strong finish. Not explosive off the line. Not much vertical separation. There are snaps where he catches the ball easily than others where he tends to fight it. Have seen him make several impressive adjusting catches. Will make the contested catch. Lines up all over the formation. Plays wide, slot and even out of the backfield. Has been used as a running back before. Will come back for the ball. Can run himself out of tight spaces. Knows how to use his body to shield defender. Has some Dwayne Harris in him as a ball carrier. Can run thru tackles. Really has no chance in the air with high point ball. Powerful lower body. Screen catcher. Struggles to get away from defender. Marcus Peters of Washington gave him fits in coverage. Player reminded me of former Steelers great Hinds Ward. Physical player. Will bounce off tacklers. Run after catch is good. Will catch intermediate routes all day. Corners can drive on his routes because of his lack of speed. Appears to be tight windows when the ball is thrown to him. Is really going to have to work hard to develop as a receiver because of his lack of speed and quickness. Could see him used more as a "Jack-of-All" trades type of player that does the jobs that other receivers don't want to do. - Bryan Broaddus
-- Other Possible Picks --
Kevin Johnson - CB - Wake Forest
Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor
Carl Davis - DT - Iowa
Eric Kendricks - LB - UCLA
Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia
Owamagbe Odighizuwa - DE - UCLA
Shaq Thompson - LB - Washington
Jalen Collins - CB - LSU
Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin
Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana
Byron Jones - CB - UConn
