The Denver Broncos may have found a hidden gem in rookie running back Jonah Coleman, who has quickly gained attention as a standout performer during the team's training camp. Selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Coleman has been recognized as a candidate for the biggest steal of the draft, particularly by The Denver Post's Sean Keeler.
Keeler highlighted Coleman's impressive performance, noting that the 22-year-old is already making a name for himself within the Broncos organization. "Fourth round? $885,000 base salary? $1.19 million cap hit? For the guy who’s been arguably the Broncos’ best runner in camp since they put pads on? Bargain of the draft," Keeler stated, emphasizing the value of the pick. His comments reflect a growing consensus that drafting Coleman out of the University of Washington was not just a smart move, but a potentially game-changing decision for the franchise.
Despite being one of the later picks in the draft, Coleman was among the top running backs available, as he was the fourth back selected overall. His performance at the University of Washington had already established him as a popular sleeper pick in a draft class that lacked standout running back talent. Joshua Dover, a host on 104.3 The Fan, has been a vocal supporter of Coleman, expressing confidence in his abilities. "I would’ve taken him at 30. When I see Jonah Coleman, I see a first-round running back, and he’s performing better than that," Dover remarked, praising Coleman's consistent excellence on the field.
One of the key factors contributing to Coleman's potential impact is the injury history of J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos' primary running back. Since being drafted in 2020, Dobbins has struggled with injuries, participating in only 47 of 101 possible games. His reliability has been a concern, prompting head coach Sean Payton to seek a dependable backup. While the Broncos drafted RJ Harvey in the previous year, his performance has not proven to be as effective, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry during his rookie season.
In contrast, Coleman has shown signs of being a well-rounded back, excelling not only in rushing but also as a blocker, a crucial aspect of the game that Harvey has not demonstrated. According to Troy Renck of The Denver Post, Coleman has consistently stood out in training camp, further solidifying his position as a viable option for the Broncos.
Payton's coaching history suggests that he prefers a running back by committee approach, which could work in Coleman's favor. Even with Dobbins as the lead back, there is a strong possibility Coleman will see significant playing time. Last season, despite Dobbins' success, Harvey managed nearly 200 touches, indicating that Payton values depth in the backfield.
As the Broncos look to build a competitive roster, the decision to draft Coleman may prove to be pivotal. With Dobbins signed to a two-year deal, the Broncos could save $8 million by parting ways with him next offseason. This financial consideration may lead the team to evaluate Coleman's capabilities more closely this year, potentially allowing him to take on a larger role as the season progresses.
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