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Broncos Draft RB Jonah Coleman, LB Red Murdock

4/27/2026

Summary

Broncos Draft Coleman

Denver Broncos selected University of Washington running back Jonah Coleman in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coleman, a 5-foot-9, 220-pound “thumper,” scored 25 touchdowns in two seasons, 24 in the red zone.
He led his draft class with a 71 percent yards-after-contact rate.
The Broncos also drafted linebacker Red Murdock, who holds the NCAA record with 17 forced fumbles and was called a “tackling machine” by GM George Paton.

Summary

Broncos Trade Waddle

The Broncos traded the No. 30 overall pick to Miami for WR Jaylen Waddle, counting it as a first-round pick.
The deal surrendered Denver’s third-round pick, leaving the team without first- or third-round selections in the 2026 draft.
Denver secured a fourth-round slot on RB Jonah Coleman by sending Devaughn Vele to New Orleans and moved from No. 62 to No. 66 to add a sixth-rounder.

Summary

Broncos Roster Overhaul

The Broncos traded for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, giving up their first-round pick.
The loss of the first-rounder forces Denver to target later-round selections for roster upgrades.
Running back J.K. Dobbins re-signed with Denver on a two-year, $16 million contract.
The team is scouting quarterback options despite already having depth at the position.
Defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim is projected to fill the void left by free-agent defensive end John Franklin-Myers.

History

Historical Context

After Mike Shanahan returned as head coach in 1995, the Broncos drafted sixth-round running back Terrell Davis, who rushed for 1,117 yards as a rookie and helped turn an 8-8 team into a Super Bowl XXXII champion. The franchise’s habit of swapping first-round selections for proven players—seen in numerous trades—makes the 2026 pursuit of veteran Jaylen Waddle a continuation of that strategy.

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Broncos Draft Coleman

Denver Broncos selected University of Washington running back Jonah Coleman in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coleman, a 5-foot-9, 220-pound “thumper,” scored 25 touchdowns in two seasons, 24 in the red zone.
He led his draft class with a 71 percent yards-after-contact rate.
The Broncos also drafted linebacker Red Murdock, who holds the NCAA record with 17 forced fumbles and was called a “tackling machine” by GM George Paton.

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