Continuing this series, where I highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, the current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether
I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are NOT fantasy rankings or even who I think will get drafted in order but simply my top backs based on tape, measurables, production and my own personal taste.#3: Jonah Coleman – Washington – POWER
Coleman has been on my radar for a couple years now and I knew he would
likely be a top 5 pick in my rankings. Possessing elite tackle breaking ability and much more wiggle than you would expect for such a stout 5’8”, 220lb back, Coleman nearly took the #2 spot on this list, and quite frankly, I feel he and my next back are both equally impressive, though much different when it comes to play style and build.
If anyone should hurry up and trademark a nickname, my vote would be for Jonah trademarking the name “Muscle Hampster.” Would Doug Martin care? Probably so. And while there are definitely similarities in the two play-styles of both backs, Jonah is a little more yoked up and plays with more violence than the former Boise State stud.
When it comes to his game and not his name, Jonah does everything well. Similar to my last player listed, but with a far heavier frame and not quite as much elusiveness or vision. Like Emmett Johnson, Coleman lacks true deep speed, but I actually feel Coleman is right around the same as Johnson despite being 20lb heavier. Where Coleman really sets himself apart is his ability to break tackles.
When considering how elite Coleman is at breaking tackles, it becomes much more impressive to note how effective and reliable he is in the passing game – both as a receiver and a blocker – in addition to how dependable he is with the ball in his hands. Coleman has amassed 639 total touches (87 catches) and only lost 2 fumbles throughout his entire collegiate career. While I was higher on him to start this past season than I am now, it’s not by much, and his production was likely hindered by an injury that he played through, showing toughness and grit. Hard to fault any RB for those characteristics.
Players like the aforementioned Doug Martin and others like Jerome Bettis and Dameon Pierce came to mind when studying Coleman’s game. Even the more recent Cam Skattebo. But ultimately I opted with another recent comp that doesn’t get quite the recognition I feel he deserves.
Pro Comp: Ray Davis
Jonah: 5’8”, 220lb, 4.50* forty, 28 7/8” arms, 9 1/8” hands, 22 reps
Ray: 5’8”, 220lb, 4.52 forty, 1.56, 35” vert, 9’11” broad, 4.51 shuttle, 30 1/4”arms, 8 7/8” hands, 21 bench
Some people might take it as a slight to Coleman that I am comparing him to the 3rd year back for the Bills, but that just tells me they don’t know enough about the former 2nd team All-SEC rushing leader and the first player in D1 history to rush for 1k yards for three different schools. As a pro, the similarly built but a tad slower Davis made 1st team All-Pro this past season as a kick returner thanks to his superb contact balance, burst and vision – all traits that he shares in equal measure with Jonah. They each take care of the football as well and can be trusted on all 3 downs thanks to their excellent pass blocking, soft hands and high football IQ.
The biggest difference to me is their age (24 vs. 22 on draft night) and the quality of RBs in their respective draft classes. Ray Davis landed in the 4th round of a decent class that may have lacked the star power of this one at the top, but had stronger depth in the early rounds. Davis had 5 RBs selected before him and I would be shocked if Coleman had the same amount called before him. That said, I would not be surprised to see him land in the 4th round like Davis but somewhat expect for his name to be called towards the back half of round 3.
Check out some highlights of both studs,
I will be eager to see if the speed of the NFL softens some of Coleman’s explosiveness in a similar way that it did for Davis, but with an All Pro KR as your “floor,” Coleman will quickly endear himself to a pro fanbase sooner than later.
Fit for Bears? No.
Another back with a similar skillset to the only back under contract beyond this season (Kyle Monangai), I just don’t see Coleman being a pick for Chicago, especially considering his expected draft capital. Does he have better hands and bulk than Monangai? Sure. But we have greater needs than that this season, unfortunately. If he lands in Chicago though, that could spell the end for Monangai.
What are your thoughts on this former Washington Husky and his pro-game prospects?
BChuk’s Backs:
10 – Kaelon Black, Indiana
9 – Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8 – Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
7 – Noah Whittington, Oregon
6 – Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
5 – Kaytron Allen, Penn State
4 – Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
