Chicago Bears Continue Backfield Search with Intriguing Visit
- Joseph Grassano
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
The Chicago Bears hosted Kentucky running back Seth McGowan on a Top 30 visit last Wednesday, continuing their evaluation of backfield options ahead of the NFL Draft.
The visit comes after Chicago finished the 2025 season with one of the league’s more productive rushing attacks. The team had initially faced questions after waiting until the seventh round to draft running back Kyle Monangai.
However, D’Andre Swift and Monangai proved to be a productive pairing. Even so, the Bears appear to be keeping their options open at running back.
Bears Host Seth McGowan on Top 30 Visit
McGowan’s visit adds another layer to Chicago’s ongoing evaluation of the position. The former Kentucky running back is currently 24 years old, meaning he is the same age as current third-string running back Roschon Johnson.
That said, besides limited contributions on special teams, Johnson hasn't done much in his Bears career. He was also drafted by the prior regime, so Ben Johnson may be looking to move on from him.
McGowan has a similar skillset to Johnson since they both are the power running archetype. McGowan started his career as a four-star recruit at Oklahoma. However, he was arrested in 2021 in connection with an armed robbery and spent three months in prison.
McGowan would then spend the 2022 season practicing with Texas College (NAIA), and played six games at Butler Community College in Kansas during the 2023 season. In 2024, he rushed for 825 yards on 152 carries and scored three touchdowns with the New Mexico State Aggies. Last season, McGowan rushed for 725 yards on 165 carries and scored 12 touchdowns with the Wildcats.
NFL.com's draft expert Lance Zierlein had this to say about McGowan:
"McGowan is quick to process and has enough wiggle to create when needed. However, his lack of explosive carries and fumble totals (5 combined in 2024-2025) are concerning. McGowan is effective in short-yardage situations and flashes the skill to handle backup carries, but his age and lack of third-down value could work against him on draft day"
In addition to this overview, Zierlein also listed McGowan's strengths and weaknesses. His strengths include being quick to process the front and find lanes without slowing, being patient with block development, being a knee-bender with good tempo in stacking cuts, Good decisiveness whether running inside or outside, natural instincts for creating space from tacklers, Battles and rejects tacklers, using base strength and balance, and he is willing to square up in blitz pickup.
McGowan's weaknesses include: Needs to incorporate more urgency to hit the hole quicker, had just 13 of 165 carries go for 10+ yards in 2025, with a season-long of just 20 yards, per PFF. Five fumbles in the last two seasons, Lacks focus and technique to be a third-down option.
Two aspects of McGowan's game that may deter the Bears from selecting him are the lack of explosive plays and the fumbles. Bears fans saw last season how important explosive plays are in Johnson's offense, and adding a third running back who doesn't have big-play upside might be a no-go. Moreover, having a turnover problem is not going to win him brownie points with Johnson. Johnson wants to control the ball for as much of the game as possible and fumbling won't allow the Bears to do that.
While a top 30 visit does not guarantee Chicago will draft McGowan, his profile presents both intrigue and risk. His power running style fits what the Bears value, but concerns about his age, ball security and explosiveness could ultimately impact how serious their interest becomes.
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