The 2026 NFL Draft has officially come and gone, and for the Indianapolis Colts, the final hours of the selection process brought a flurry of activity that extended well beyond the podium. After making their seven picks over the past three days, the Colts capped the draft by selecting Kentucky running back Seth McGowan in the seventh round. Almost immediately after the final pick was announced, the team's front office pivoted to the equally important business of signing undrafted free agents, making a burst of roster moves to fill out the 90-man offseason roster.
It's the kind of behind-the-scenes churn that doesn't always make national headlines but can be the lifeblood of a roster's depth. General manager Chris Ballard and his staff have a well-earned reputation for mining the UDFA market for contributors, and this year appears to be no different. Let's break down the headliner--Seth McGowan--and then dive into the wave of undrafted talent that could push for roster spots in training camp.
Seth McGowan: A Seventh-Round Lottery Ticket
With the Colts' final pick in the 2026 draft, they turned their attention to the running back room. Seth McGowan, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound back out of Kentucky, was the selection. While seventh-round picks are always long shots, McGowan brings a skill set that fits what the Colts' offensive coordinator looks for in a versatile backfield weapon.
McGowan's path to the draft wasn't a straight line. He began his college career at Oklahoma, where he showed flashes as a freshman, rushing for 370 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver. After a transfer to Kentucky, McGowan battled injuries and a crowded depth chart, but when healthy, he demonstrated a blend of power and patience. He runs with a low center of gravity, has decent vision between the tackles, and can catch the ball out of the backfield--a trait that the Colts have increasingly valued in their complementary backs.
What makes McGowan an intriguing dart throw is his ability to contribute on special teams. The Colts have long prioritized special-teams value from their late-round picks and undrafted signings. McGowan played on coverage units at Kentucky, and his physical running style translates well to kick-return duties. The coaching staff--including the special teams coordinator--will likely give him every opportunity to carve out a niche as a core-four special teamer.
Of course, the running back room in Indianapolis is not exactly wide open. The Colts have a clear starter and a veteran backup who has proven reliable. But behind them, there is room for competition. McGowan will likely be competing for the No. 3 spot, and if he can impress in camp, he could find himself on the active roster rather than the practice squad. Lane Kiffin, who coached against McGowan at Ole Miss, once said the back had "Bell-cow potential" if he could stay healthy. That's a big "if," but it's the kind of upside that makes a seventh-round selection worth the gamble.
The Post-Draft UDFA Rush: Names to Know
As soon as the draft ended, the Colts' phones were burning. Undrafted free agency is a frenetic few hours where teams race to sign the best players who slipped through the cracks. According to reports, the Colts were particularly active, bringing in a wave of players across multiple position groups.
Offensive Line Depth
One area of emphasis appears to be the offensive line. The Colts have invested significant draft capital in their front five over the past few years, but injuries are always a concern. The team added multiple interior linemen as UDFAs, including a versatile guard/center from a Power Five program who is known for his nasty demeanor in the run game. These are the types of players who can develop on the practice squad for a year or two and then emerge as reliable backups. The offensive line coach will have his hands full this summer evaluating these young players.
Wide Receiver Lottery Tickets
The Colts also signed a group of undrafted wide receivers, a position that needed an injection of competition. While the top of the depth chart is set, there are snaps available for a fourth or fifth receiver who can win with speed or special-teams value. One of the more intriguing names is a speedster from a Group of Five school who ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. He's raw as a route runner, but his ability to stretch the field vertically could make him a weapon on deep shots and jet sweeps. Another UDFA wideout is a bigger-bodied possession receiver who excels in contested-catch situations. Both will get a long look in OTAs and minicamp.
Defensive Backfield Reinforcements
The secondary was another area where the Colts added undrafted talent. With a need for depth at both cornerback and safety, the team signed a pair of defensive backs who project as special-teams contributors early on. One is a cornerback with long arms and press-man experience; the other is a safety who played in the box and showed a knack for forcing fumbles. Given the Colts' defensive coordinator's preference for versatile defensive backs who can play multiple roles, these players could stick if they show they can handle the mental workload.
Linebacker and Edge Rusher Adds
The Colts also didn't neglect the front seven. They signed an edge rusher from a smaller school who led his conference in sacks last season. He'll need to adjust to the jump in competition, but his motor and bend off the edge are traits that can't be taught. Additionally, a thumping inside linebacker from a Power Five program joined the fold. He's a downhill, run-stuffing type who could carve out a role on early downs and special teams.
Historical Context: Ballard's UDFA Track Record
This post-draft activity is more than just roster filler for Chris Ballard. Throughout his tenure, the general manager has consistently found value in the undrafted ranks. From starting-caliber players to key depth pieces, the Colts have a strong track record of evaluating and developing players who weren't drafted. As the team heads into this new cycle, you can bet that every one of these signings will get a fair chance to prove themselves.
The Colts' approach is methodical. They target specific traits--athleticism, football character, production--and they are willing to be patient. Many of these UDFAs will sign futures deals after the season, spend a year on the practice squad, and emerge as contributors in 2027. It's a long-term development model that requires trust in the coaching staff and scouting department.
What's Next?
The 2026 draft class is now complete, with Seth McGowan serving as the final piece of a seven-player haul. The UDFA class will be announced in full over the coming days as contracts are finalized. For now, the Colts have added roughly 10-15 undrafted players to the roster, bringing them close to the 90-man limit.
Rookie minicamp is just around the corner, and that will be the first chance for McGowan and the UDFAs to put on the horseshoe and make an impression. For fans, this is the time to pay attention to the names you might not have heard of. Some of them won't make it past camp. But a few--like the running back from Kentucky or the speedster from nowhere--could carve out a career in Indianapolis.
The draft is over, but the roster-building never stops. And for the Colts, the burst of moves immediately after the final pick shows they aren't taking any days off.