The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of holes to fill this offseason, and could add several talented pieces via the 2026 NFL Draft. John Dillon of Chiefs Wire came up with a Chiefs mock draft that includes the team taking Kentucky running back Seth McGowan in the fifth round:
“Round 5, Pick No. 146: Kentucky Wildcats RB Seth McGowan
The Chiefs finally land a running back here in Round 5 with their penultimate pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. McGowan scored 12 rushing touchdowns in an impressive 2025 campaign with Kentucky, and gets a chance to compete for starting reps as a rookie in Kansas City under Andy Reid.”
With the Chiefs’ first four picks, Dillon has Kansas City choosing linebacker David Bailey (ninth overall), defensive back Colton Hood (40th), wide receiver Germie Bernard (74th), and tight end Max Klare (109th).
Chiefs Mock Draft Has the Team Taking Running Back Seth McGowan in the Fifth Round
Revisiting His Career
Seth McGowan attended Poteet High School, located in Mesquite, Texas. Rated a four-star recruit, he committed to play college football for the Oklahoma Sooners.
McGowan totaled 571 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman at Oklahoma. However, in April 2021, McGowan and two teammates ended up stealing marijuana, jewelry, high-dollar shoes, and cash from a Norman, Oklahoma, apartment. He would spend three months in jail and was ultimately dismissed from the team.
McGowan later committed to Butler Community College. During his lone season there, he rushed for 125 yards and four touchdowns in six games.
McGowan then transferred to New Mexico State. He finished the 2024 season with 823 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns.
Following the season, McGowan entered the transfer portal once again and transferred to Kentucky. He finished the 2025 campaign with 725 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and accepted an invite to participate in the 2026 Senior Bowl.
Should the Chiefs Draft Seth McGowan?
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) walks off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
The Chiefs had a disappointing 2025 season. They finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, which ended his season early. The three-time Super Bowl champ will return at some point next season. The Chiefs will need to surround him with as much talent as possible if they want to return to the playoffs.
Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to hit free agency. That means the Chiefs could use help at the running back position.
Seth McGowan could add juice to the backfield. He serves as a dual threat due to his pass-catching ability. He’s also a downhill power back who runs with physicality.
While the Chiefs could add a starting running back like Breece Hall this offseason, McGowan could serve as a good backup. No, he isn’t as talented as Jeremiyah Love, who’s considered the top running back prospect in this year’s draft. Yet, he could wind up being a Day 3 draft steal.
And sure, McGowan had character issues in the past. But it appears that he has learned from his mistakes and is ready to be a solid contributor in the NFL. So yes, drafting him makes sense for the Chiefs.
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