The Denver Broncos selected Jonah Coleman with the 108th overall pick in the 2026 draft, and the reactions to the decision have been strong and quite telling.
Coleman is part of a deep stable of Broncos backs but offers a different physical profile than incumbents J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, or backups Cody Schrader and Deuce Vaughn, a former Dallas Cowboys draft pick who joined Denver last year.
For that reason, plus his own talent, Coleman could be headed for a big role.
Broncos’ Jonah Coleman Lands on Former GM’s Watchlist
GettyNew Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman could carve out a significant role.
Coleman comes with the kind of production that inspires confidence that he can produce when called upon for the Broncos.
But former NFL player and executive Louis Riddick, now an analyst for ESPN, sees more.
“Time for the 5th annual list of my favorite non-first round prospects (tried to NOT select obvious 2nd rounders as well) from each team in the 2026 draft that could be a significant contributor/starter within the next 2-3 years,” Riddick posted on X on April 27.
Coleman rushed for 3,054 yards and 34 touchdowns, adding 3,892 yards and 37 touchdowns on 87 receptions over the past four seasons.
He split that time between the Arizona Wildcats and Washington Huskies.
Now, Coleman will look to add a physical presence to a backfield in which Dobbins and McLaughlin were miscast in power roles. Listed at 5-foot-8, Coleman is the same height as Harvey. At 220 pounds, he is six pounds heavier than his next closest teammate (Schrader).
Broncos Follow Through on Plan at RB
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton finally landed Mr. Irrelevant.
Denver saw its running game tail off last season following Dobbins’ foot injury. Coleman stands as part of a replacement plan if the veteran’s extensive injury woes continue.
Moreover, Broncos head coach Sean Payton tipped his hand before the draft.
“Payton said plainly at the NFL meetings in Arizona at the end of March that Denver’s running game wasn’t good enough in the second half of the season, after starter J.K. Dobbins went down with a foot injury. It certainly wasn’t good enough in the playoffs,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote on April 27. “The Broncos simply needed to better insulate themselves against another potential injury to Dobbins, who hasn’t played more than 13 games in a season since his rookie year.
“In Coleman, the Broncos acquired a player whose contact balance kept popping on film. What he lacked in runaway speed — Coleman didn’t run the 40 at the combine or during his pro day — he made up for in ability to finish runs, which was one of Dobbins’ biggest strengths in Denver’s offense before he suffered his injury.”
Kosmider reports that the Broncos remain high on Harvey. However, Coleman’s addition suggests that Harvey could be utilized more as a receiver. That is a role in which he thrived for the Broncos as a rookie.
Jonah Coleman Makes Telling Revelation
GettyJonah Coleman will get to cross something off his bucket list with the Denver Broncos.
Coleman went viral for his previous comments predicting he would land with the Broncos in the draft. He has been outspoken about the joy he has felt since. However, Coleman made another revelation.
“Ps: i’ve never been to an nfl game [face with raised eyebrow emoji],” Coleman posted on X on April 26.
That will change in a few months when Coleman suits up for the Broncos in the preseason.
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