The Cleveland Browns appear ready to embark on one of the most depressing quarterback competitions in recent memory.
If general manager Andrew Berry decides to hold off on selecting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, someone will win the starter’s role between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, but the fans will surely be the losers.
If that is the course the Browns are actually planning to take, building up the rest of the offense is important. And while there are more pressing issues than at running
back, a sound run game can be a shaky quarterback’s best friend.
With that in mind, it is worth keeping an eye on the position, especially once Round 3 begins, when the Browns may consider Washington running back Jonah Coleman.
Name: Jonah Coleman
Position: Running back
Height/Weight: 5-foot-8, 220 pounds
College: Washington Huskies
2025 Rushing Stats: 12 games, 758 rushing yards, 4.9 yards per rush, 15 rushing touchdowns, 63.2 rushing yards per game
2025 Receiving Stats: 12 games, 31 receptions, 354 receiving yards, 11.4 yards per reception, 2 receiving touchdowns, 29.5 receiving yards per game
Career Rushing Stats: 50 games, 3,054 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per rush, 34 rushing touchdowns, 61.1 rushing yards per game
Career Receiving Stats: 50 games, 87 receptions, 838 receiving yards, 9.6 yards per reception, 3 receiving touchdowns, 16.8 receiving yards per game
Average “Big Board” Position as of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database: 97th overall, projected third round
The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value: Round 3 – Adequate Starter
What an Expert is Saying
Team captain and productive three-down back. Coleman has a clear understanding of run-blocking schemes and protection duties. He knows where blocks are likely to develop and finds those spots. However, he lacks speed as an outside runner and has average burst between the tackles. He’s more of a tackle-slipper than a tackle-breaker, so it’s imperative that Coleman plays at a brisker pace to stay ahead of closing defenders. He projects as a Day 3 option who can compete for a job as a three-down backup.
What an Expert is Saying (Bonus Round):
Trevor Sikkema at Pro Football Focus:
Coleman, a former three-star back from Stockton, Calif., has an NFL build and fantastic career efficiency scores as both a rusher and receiver. His 225-plus-pound frame allows him to run behind his pads with good power and balance for yards after contact, but he also has surprisingly quick footwork and decent lateral movement skills.
At just 5-foot-9, his stride length is shorter and limits his overall top gear and breakaway speed, but that stockier build also aids his contact balance. He’s also a good pass catcher and pass protector. The biggest knock on him will be his speed, as both his top speed and acceleration appear to be well below NFL averages.
However, his elite zone-rushing grade over the past two years shows that once he builds momentum, his speed is good enough to find rushing lanes. He is also strong as an ox, evidenced by one career fumble on 672 career touches.
Fit with the Browns
Cleveland has numerous roster holes to fill, so it feels unlikely that Berry will select a running back. And it is almost certain that he won’t pick one in the first round, no matter how appealing Jeremiyah Love might be.
If Berry wants to add a new face to the group on Day 2 of the draft, then Coleman could be one to watch. He’s not a starter, but he projects to be a solid backup, and he doesn’t turn the ball over, which is always nice for an offense that has enough trouble moving the ball without self-inflicted mistakes.
If Coleman is there when the Browns are on the clock in the third round, Berry could spend some time pondering whether or not Coleman represents an upgrade to the current running back room.
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
Quinshon Judkins is the No. 1 running back as long as he does not have any complications from his leg injury in 2025. Everyone else? Take your pick from Ahmani Marshall, Dylan Sampson, or Raheim Sanders.
Priority: Medium Low
What are your thoughts on Jonah Coleman? Do the Browns need another running back over other positions? Let us know in the comments!
