It's time for the Seattle Seahawks to dip back into the running back draft pool. Kenneth Walker is long gone, and Zach Charbonnet may not be back for the start of the 2026 season.
Even after signing Emmanuel Wilson, Seattle likely needs to add another back in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kentucky's Seth McGowan could be a fit in the middle rounds. He's a patient and physical ball carrier who would fill an immediate need for the Seahawks.
Kentucky RB Seth McGowan 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
- Height:Â 6'0"
- Weight:Â 223 lbs
- 40-yard dash time:Â 4.49 seconds
- Recruiting:Â 4-star recruit, No. 16 ranked RB nationally
- College production:Â 375 carries, 1,918 yards, 18 touchdowns
- Positives:
Hits the hole with urgency and decisiveness.
Shows above-average burst when getting to the hole.
Runs with patience, letting blocks develop in front of him. - Negatives:
Showed consistent fumbling issues in each of the last two seasons.
Longest run of 2025 was just 20 yards.
Lacks versatility in the passing game, both as a receiver and as a pass protector.
McGowan is most effective in short-yardage situations. He didn't break many tackles at Kentucky, but he often didn't have to because of his patience and burst through the hole. He was consistently able to pick up solid yardage when the blocking allowed for it.
While he has the speed and burst to hold up in the NFL, the Kentucky prospect didn't create many explosive gains in college. At 24 years old at the start of the 2026 season, he is one of the older running back prospects in this class. His limited explosiveness, fumbling problems, and age might turn NFL teams away from him.
Seth McGowan NFL player comparison:Â Brian Robinson Jr.
As his career has progressed, Brian Robinson Jr. has settled into a role as a reliable backup. He might not have many home-run carries, but he can provide ten solid touches per game. Thriving in short-yardage situations, he's a capable goal-line back. McGowan will likely fit into a similar mold in the NFL.
Seth McGowan NFL Draft grade:Â Fourth round
If a running back doesn't have an explosive element to his game, he has to be well above average in other areas to be considered a top-100 draft pick. McGowan is a solid running back who could have a long career in the NFL, but his limited skill set and low ceiling as a prospect could push him down draft boards.