Colts Add Older Rookie RB to a Thin RB Room

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 10:23 PM UTC

The Indianapolis Colts selected Kentucky RB Seth McGowan in Round 7 of the 2026 NFL Draft. McGowan began his career at Oklahoma in 2022. Robbery and battery charges derailed his path, though. “It was difficult. At some point, I was facing like 70 years,” he admitted in comments made to Kentucky Sports Radio. He resurfaced at Butler Community College in 2023 before jumping to New Mexico State in 2024. There, he out-produced fellow prospect Mike Washington Jr. 5.4 yards per carry to 4.6. McGowan’s 2025 slipped, however, as he mustered only 4.4 YPC at Kentucky. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, McGowan ranked seventh in 2025 rushing market share (47.5%), and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (2.72). He ranked 12th in 2025 missed tackles forced per attempt (0.21) and 17th in receiving yards per route run (0.70). He is currently 25 years old.

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “We like his burst and contact balance, but

he’s unlikely to become a major factor in the passing game. McGowan projects as a Day 3 draft pick.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

McGowan enters a thin Colts’ RB depth chart behind Jonathan Taylor. Last year’s Round 5 pick D.J. Giddens is expected to serve as the back-up, but UDFA Ulysses Bentley IV sits as the third RB on the depth chart.

Despite his advanced age, McGowan could make the team. He still remains unlikely to have a redraft impact.

Dynasty Impact

McGowan could be a stash, especially if there is buzz in rookie minicamp. Though he won’t be draftable in most rookie drafts, McGowan is worth keeping an eye on.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.