Seth McGowan: The Combine Freak with Sunday Burst
Seth McGowan didn’t just participate in the Combine; he owned the air. The Kentucky standout posted a 42.5-inch vertical, the second-best mark for a running back this century. He paired that with a 10’11” broad jump and a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at 223 pounds. That is raw, unadulterated power.
On the field, the production matches the metrics. Despite a Kentucky offense that often left him swarmed, McGowan managed 0.26 avoided tackles per carry, a top-three mark in this class. He doesn’t dance. He identifies a crease and hammers it. His acceleration is violent. While his 725 yards and 12 scores in 2025 won’t win a Heisman, his ability to create something from nothing makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators at the next level.
Le’Veon Moss: The SEC’s Most Talented Risk
If Le’Veon Moss had stayed healthy, we would discuss him as a lock for the first two rounds. When he was on the turf in College Station, he was nearly impossible to bring down. Moss earned a 90.9 PFF run grade—fourth-best among all 2026 prospects—and averaged a staggering 3.7 yards after contact.
The red flag is the medical tent. A torn ACL/MCL in 2024 followed by a reaggravated ankle injury during the 2026 College Football Playoff against Miami has cooled his draft stock. However, the tape shows a back with elite vision and a low center of gravity. He runs through arm tackles like they’re turnstiles. For a team with an established starter, Moss is the perfect high-ceiling gamble in the fifth round. If that ankle holds, he is a 1,000-yard rusher in waiting.
Kaelon Black: The Champion’s Dependability
Kaelon Black arrived in Bloomington following coach Curt Cignetti from JMU and immediately became the engine of a National Championship run. He didn’t just survive the Big Ten; he conquered it. Black finished 2025 with 1,034 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, proving he could handle a heavy workload against elite fronts.
The most impressive stat? Zero fumbles lost. In an NFL where ball security is the fastest way to the bench, Black is a coach’s dream. He excels in zone-blocking schemes, using a patient “press-and-cut” style that keeps the offense on schedule. He might lack the Olympic speed of McGowan, but his 99-yard performance in the Rose Bowl against Alabama proved he can perform when the lights are brightest. He’s the plug-and-play pro every contender needs in their rotation.
“I’ve spent four years fighting for every inch, from the transfer portal to the National Championship. The NFL is just the next field to prove people wrong. I’m ready to hit the hole on Day 1.”
— Kaelon Black, Indiana RB
Draft Outlook: The Value of the Third Down
As we head into the final weeks of the draft cycle, the value of these three backs lies in their versatility. McGowan offers the explosive “home run” threat, Moss provides the thumping power, and Black brings the championship pedigree and reliable hands. None of these players are expected to go before Friday night, but all three possess the “burstiness” required to flip a game’s momentum. Expect teams like the Broncos or Panthers to look closely at these names to bolster their committees without spending premium capital.
