Division III Wide Receiver Tyren Montgomery Impresses at Senior Bowl

The Washington Commanders are urged to consider drafting the standout receiver from John Carroll University.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:57am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting in neon colors depicts the dynamic movement and energy of a wide receiver making a leaping catch, with the player's features dissolving into abstract brushstrokes.An explosive, energetic illustration captures the raw athleticism of a standout Division III wide receiver making his case for an NFL roster spot.The Woodlands Today

Tyren Montgomery, a 25-year-old wide receiver from Division III John Carroll University, has been turning heads at the Senior Bowl with his impressive performances. Despite an unconventional path to the NFL, including a stint playing flag football, Montgomery has put up huge numbers the last two seasons and is now generating buzz as a potential late-round draft pick.

Why it matters

The NFL has seen a rise in rookie wide receivers making an immediate impact in recent years, with several setting new records. Montgomery's story and potential to be a late-round gem could be of interest to teams like the Washington Commanders, who are looking to bolster their receiving corps.

The details

Montgomery, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, didn't play high school football and instead was a basketball star. He later walked on to the basketball team at LSU, but dropped out after one semester. At the urging of his brother, Montgomery then pursued a football career, playing in various flag football leagues before getting an opportunity at Nicholls State in 2022. After sitting out that season due to eligibility issues, he landed at Division III John Carroll University, where he put up back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Despite not being invited to the NFL Combine, Montgomery impressed at Toledo's Pro Day with a 35.5-inch vertical leap, 10-foot, 8-inch broad jump, and a 4.53-second 40-yard dash.

  • Montgomery sat out the 2022 season as he worked out various eligibility issues.
  • Montgomery played his first season of football ever in 2023 at Nicholls State, where he had 12 receptions for 171 yards.
  • Montgomery put up 57 receptions for 1,071 yards and 20 total touchdowns in 2024 at John Carroll University.
  • In 2025, Montgomery had 119 receptions for 1,528 yards and 16 total touchdowns at John Carroll University.

The players

Tyren Montgomery

A 25-year-old wide receiver from Division III John Carroll University who has generated buzz as a potential late-round NFL draft pick after impressive performances at the Senior Bowl.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team that is being urged to consider drafting Tyren Montgomery to bolster their receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“Tyren Montgomery has been UNGUARDABLE through two Senior Bowl practices. Standout WR from D3 John Carroll is playing his way into top 100 consideration.”

— NFL Draft Files

“A late-blooming Division III standout with intriguing upside, Montgomery has good size and length in the slot. He's still learning his craft and should become a more refined route-runner if he gets more time. He was highly competitive in Senior Bowl one-on-ones and appears very comfortable in 50/50 catch spots. His age, timed speed and lack of short-area explosiveness could hurt his draft slotting, but he should find his way into a camp. He will need to replicate his Senior Bowl week to prove he belongs in the NFL.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Washington Commanders will have to decide whether to use an early-round pick on a wide receiver or take a chance on the late-blooming Tyren Montgomery in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Montgomery's inspiring story and impressive performances at the Senior Bowl have made him an intriguing late-round prospect, highlighting the NFL's recent trend of finding impact rookie wide receivers outside the top of the draft. His unconventional path could make him a potential diamond in the rough for a team willing to take a chance.