Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos’ 2026 Draft: Jonah Coleman Emerges as a Potential Running-Back Steal
4/29/2026, 10:03:18 PM
Fourth-Round Pick: Jonah Coleman
On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos selected Washington running back Jonah Coleman with the fourth-round, No. 108 pick, adding a power back to back up J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.
Scheme Fit
Coleman’s three-down skill set—running, catching and pass protection—matches Sean Payton’s demand for versatile backs who can handle short-yardage, third-down and blocking duties.
Key Figures
Head coach Sean Payton praised the “natural fit” of Coleman. Dobbins and Harvey remain the primary backs, while Coleman is projected as the third back and an insurance option. Coleman said the meeting felt “amazing” and he is grateful to join the Broncos.
College Stats
At Washington, Coleman amassed 1,811 rushing yards, 25 rushing TDs, 54 catches for 531 yards and two receiving TDs, averaging 5.5 yards per carry; ten percent of his carries ended in touchdowns.
Analyst Views
Justin Melo noted the Broncos “linked pre-draft to wanting to strengthen the running back room” and said Coleman’s three-down ability will “quickly endear” him to Payton. Josh Kendall called him a “thumper” who can share carries with Harvey. Jeff Legwold, while lauding the overall draft, said the team’s biggest pre-draft need was still at tight end. The Broncos also entered the draft without a first-round selection, relying on mid-round value picks to fill depth and maintain a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Criticism
Critics point out that tight-end depth remains thin despite rookie Justin Joly and seventh-round Dallen Bentley, and that a fourth-round back may see limited snaps behind Dobbins and Harvey.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His three-down ability as a pass catcher and protector will quickly endear itself to Sean Payton.” — Justin Melo, Draft Analyst (Sports Illustrated)
- “Coleman is a thumper who could eat into starter J.K. Dobbins’ carries and share the backfield duties with RJ Harvey by midseason.” — Josh Kendall, The Athletic
- “But the glaring predraft need for this team was at tight end.” — Jeff Legwold, ESPN
Future Outlook
The Broncos plan three running backs on the 53-man roster, with Coleman replacing Tyler Badie as the third back. He will battle for first- and second-down reps in training camp, while the tight-end competition among Justin Joly, Dallen Bentley and veteran Nate Adkins intensifies. Coleman’s adaptation to Denver’s blocking and receiving schemes will determine if the fourth-round selection lives up to its “steal” label. If Coleman secures a regular role, his power running could relieve pressure on Dobbins and give Payton more play-calling flexibility.
