Ben Johnson is taking the first real steps toward upgrading the Bears backfield after hosting an in-person visit with a 2026 draft prospect
Kentucky running back Seth McGowan met with the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears are looking to upgrade the running back room in some form or fashion going into the second season under head coach Ben Johnson.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the team is looking to move on from starting running back D’Andre Swift, who has one season remaining on his current contract. Swift is coming off a career-year back in Johnson’s offense and formed a deadly duo with rookie Kyle Monangai in Chicago’s backfield.
Behind those two, the Bears currently have Brittain Brown, Roschon Johnson, and Deion Hankins on the roster. An addition needs to be made to that room and perhaps it’s not by making a splash trade for someone like De’Von Achane. Instead, the Bears are quietly taking a look at the incoming rookie class to see if anyone stands out. And one name was already brought into the building.
Kentucky RB Seth McGowan met with the Chicago Bears on a 30-visit
Since it’s 30-visit season, we have been tracking a few different prospects coming out in the 2026 NFL Draft and seeing if any potential leaks get made about a visit with the Bears. Another one joined the list on Tuesday in Kentucky running back Seth McGowan, who posted a picture on his Instagram story inside the Bears facilities.
McGowan is currently projected as a Day 3 prospect, a part of the draft the Bears currently have three selections (129, 239, 241). Multiple draft experts have praised McGowan’s vision as one of the best in the entire class, and fittingly it’s still a trait Swift struggled with despite an improved offensive line.
McGowan played for three different programs during his college career with his best season coming at Kentucky in 2025 when he totaled 725 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns with 452 of those yards coming after contact.
McGowan had a stellar NFL Combine week. His 42.5″ vertical jump was the second best for an NFL Combine RB since at least 2007 and his 10′-11″ broad jump was the ninth best for an NFL Combine RB since at least 2007, both of which easily led all running backs in the 2026 class.
It’s easy to see why the Bears wanted to bring him in for a closer look at Halas Hall. Off the field, he has some concerns worth learning more about and he is already 24-years-old. On the field, his footwork, vision, patience, and cutting ability, creates a lot to like and potentially work with.
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