The Indianapolis Colts added some intriguing depth to their backfield in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting running back Seth McGowan with the 237th overall pick. Here's everything you need to know about the newest Colt.
A versatile runner with a winding college journey, McGowan first made waves at New Mexico in 2024, where he rushed for 730 yards. He then transferred to Kentucky and proved he could compete in the SEC, tallying 824 yards on the ground this past season. Beyond his rushing numbers, McGowan showed he can be a factor in the passing game, drawing 64 targets over those two seasons—a skill that could make him a valuable third-down option if he sharpens his pass protection.
What really sets McGowan apart is his ability to fight through contact. For his career, he averaged 3.22 yards after contact, a testament to his balance and determination. In 2025, he forced 35 missed tackles on just 166 carries, ranking 42nd among all running backs—an impressive feat considering many backs ahead of him had over 200 carries. His athletic testing backs that up, as he posted a stellar 9.34 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10.00, ranking 154th out of 2,306 running backs since 1987.
Scouts see potential but also note areas for growth. Dane Brugler of The Athletic describes McGowan as a "good-sized, coordinated athlete with adequate vision and run strength," though he cautions that "his lack of explosive traits and inconsistent third-down value will make it an uphill climb to prove his worth on an NFL roster." Meanwhile, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com praises his quick processing and elusiveness but flags his low number of explosive carries and fumble issues as concerns, adding that "his age and lack of third-down value could work against him."
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard expressed confidence in the pick, noting the team's extensive vetting process. "Seth is a guy we've been watching here for a while," Ballard said. "He had the incident when he was at Oklahoma, which we know, and we vetted hard. His relationship with our running back coach, our relationship with coaches at Kentucky and at New Mexico State—I've known the head coach at New Mexico State for a lot of years, and they all speak very highly of the young man."
For Colts fans, McGowan represents a late-round flier with the physical tools to develop into a reliable rotational back—if he can iron out the inconsistencies. Keep an eye on him in training camp as he fights for a roster spot.