FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Kentucky running back Seth McGowan.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Seth McGowan
Seth McGowan (RB – Kentucky)
6’1″ – 215 lbs.
Background
Four-star recruit who originally attended Oklahoma in 2020, where he rushed for 58-370-3 (6.4) as a freshman before getting arrested for robbery, conspiracy, and assault/battery with a deadly weapon, leading him to get dismissed from the team. Spent three months in jail, then a season out of football, a season at Texas College, and a season at Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State. Gained 154-824-3 (5.4) that year, then moved to Kentucky this past season, finishing with 166-730-12 (4.4). Also has 54 career FBS receptions.
Positives
Big, muscularly-built running back who contributed to three different programs, and doesn’t have a ton of tread on his tires. Has played in different schemes, with more of a gap-based approach this past season, but ran more zone plays at New Mexico State. Decisive runner with impressive burst in the hole. Makes pretty sharp cuts in the backfield, with the vision to recognize cutback lanes and adequate speed to outrace defenders to the corner. Able to get narrow and weave through congested areas. Builds a head of steam quickly and can hammer defenders in the hole, with a nice punishing running style to wear down opponents. Gets low into contact, with good knee bend; doesn’t expose his body to much punishment. Shows good leg drive and competitiveness to fight for additional yardage and finish runs by falling forward. Physical and willing in blitz pickup. Has good lower-body strength and stable contact balance as a blocker. Has some suddenness at burst at the stem when working as a receiver out of the backfield, and can improvise when the play breaks down to create opportunities for his quarterback.
Negatives
Older than your typical prospect, having started his collegiate career in 2020, and his 2021 arrest will raise serious character concerns. Wasn’t particularly dynamic this past year, without a gain of over twenty yards, and his speed is probably more that of a chunk runner than a home-run hitter. Doesn’t have the most flexibility in his ankles, and can slip when trying to turn corners too tightly. Not especially elusive, being temperamentally much more of a no-nonsense power back. Ball security has been a bit of an issue, with six fumbles against 378 career carries. More willing and physical than he is effective in blitz pickup, mostly due to positioning. Has dropped eight passes against 55 career receptions, including five this past year.
Summary
A big, strong back with who’s at his best when pounding the ball between the tackles, as he shows nice burst in the hole and is able to get low and generate explosive power into contact. He’s not the most elusive or versatile back, and he’ll have to improve his overall ball security, positioning in blitz pickup, and reliability as a receiver to reach his potential. However, looks like he could be a pretty good rotational power back if teams feel confident in his character, which could significantly affect his draft stock.
Projection: Round 5-6
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