The Indianapolis Colts already have one of the best and most underappreciated running backs in the game. Jonathan Taylor is a superstar and is still at the peak of his game, but that position is ungrateful and waits for no one.
That's why, with a major need for a backup running back since Zack Moss left, the Indianapolis Colts used a seventh-round pick on Kentucky's Seth McGowan. It was a polarizing selection, given that he would be a 24-year-old rookie, but the tape was impressive enough to justify this move.
McGowan was involved in a major off-field scandal at Oklahoma, leading to his dismissal from the program and bouncing around other colleges. However, when it seemed like his NFL dream was over, the Colts gave him a golden opportunity. Now, it's up to him to prove that he deserves it. General manager Chris Ballard entered the offseason in the spotlight, so he can definitely use this win.
The Indianapolis Colts may have landed a seventh-round steal in Seth McGowan
McGowan brought his career back from the ground with stints at Texas College, Butler Community College, and New Mexico State before getting himself back on the radar at Kentucky. He totaled 824 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns for the Wildcats last season, turning heads with his physicality, violent runs, and ability to overpower defenders between the tackles.
He's built like the prototypical power back. While not overly explosive on the open field, he has an explosive first step in short-yardage situations, and he could be quite useful for Shane Steichen's offense in power-run concepts. He's athletic and strong, and it usually takes more than two people to get him down.
The Colts gave Jonathan Taylor 323 carries last season, with D.J. Giddens and Ameer Abdullah far behind him with 26 and 14 carries, respectively. That type of usage isn't sustainable, not even for a superstar like Taylor, and he already has plenty of miles under his belt. He might be 27, but he's had to endure a tremendous wear and tear as the ultimate workhorse.
As such, McGowan might actually help Taylor stay fresh and healthy for longer. He's quick to process and is craftier and sneakier than his big frame would suggest. Of course, he has to stay out of trouble, and he could work on his ball security, but this was overall solid value for the Colts ahead of a make-or-break season.
There's just too much at stake in Circle City in 2026. Ballard swung for the fences with the Sauce Gardner trade and doubled down on this project by giving Daniel Jones big bucks in free agency. With no first-round pick and several issues to address, finding day-one contributors in the late rounds of the draft might be the best way to show he's still got it.
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