The Denver Broncos selected former Washington running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of the NFL Draft 2026. They got great value from him.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo, Coleman was one of the best picks in round 3. Justin says Coleman has everything to become a star in the future.
Melo wrote that, “Despite having J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey on the roster, the Denver Broncos drafted Jonah Coleman because they are dissatisfied with the state of their backfield.”
“Re-signing Dobbins is a temporary solution. Coleman may initially find reps difficult to come by, but this is a long-term play for Sean Payton. He’s an incredibly tough runner who can protect and catch passes. His competitive spirit and versatility should help him carve out a big role at some point.”
The five-foot-nine and 228-pound player is an exceptional runner who finishes through contact with a compact and low pad level. He had an excellent two seasons with Washington, where he delivered strong production. He had 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 and 758 yards and a career-high 15 scores in 2025. Apart from that, he also contributed as a receiver.
Coleman is considered a true tree down back where he can run, catch, and pass-protect. He is no worse than Broncos RB3.
Head coach Sean Payton was also hopeful about the inclusion of Coleman. “Going home yesterday, coming in today, and then the long wait, I think the thing I would say is he’s very physical.”
“He can play on third down. Normally, you have to project that. A lot of these guys, in college, maybe the protection plan’s different or limited. So you have to develop that, and that’s fine. But his frame is such that when you see him, he does a really good job in blocking pressure looks. He’s smart, he’s tough. There was a lot to like with him.”
Coleman has a very long road ahead in the Broncos’ backfield. Yes, there were a few better RB prospects for what coach Payton and Offensive coordinator Davis Webb had planned for 2026.
Coleman is a tough guy with excellent game sense and football IQ. At the moment, he offers great depth to Denver Broncos RBs.
