The Denver Broncos are poised to bring back J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey as their top running back duo for the 2026 season. Additionally, they retained Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie on one-year deals to compete for a roster spot this coming season. However, there are many fans across Broncos Country hoping the franchise adds another back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With only one selection in the Top 100 after the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos’ brass will have to be diligent carving out a sound draft
strategy. One position they could still be looking to add depth and a long-term complementary option to Harvey is the running back position. A popular name tied to the Broncos recently is Washington running back Jonah Coleman.
After spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Arizona Wildcats, Coleman transferred to Washington in 2024 and had an impact first season with the Huskies. He had 1,053 rushing yards on 193 carries and 10 touchdowns. In 2025, his production in rushing yardage dipped a bit, but still put up 758 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on the ground.
Let’s do a deep dive regarding Coleman’s strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: Jonah Coleman — Running Back — Washington
Height: 5’8” | Weight: 220 pounds | Arm Length: 28-7/8” | Hand Size: 9-1/8” | Age: 22 Years Old
Coleman skipped the workouts at the NFL Combine and Washington’s Pro Day.
Statistics at Arizona/Washington: 50 games played, 552 carries, 3,054 rushing yards, 5.5 yard per carry average, 34 rushing touchdowns. 87 receptions, 838 yards, 9.6 yards per reception, 3 receiving touchdowns.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Compact and sturdy at 5’8” and 220 pounds with tremendous contact balance
- Running style and low center of gravity helps him force a lot of missed tackles
- Decisive runner with good vision that makes the most of carries he is given
- Boasted nearly a 5 yard per carry average in ‘25, despite being hit at the line on a third of his carries
- Productive inside runner with experience operating efficiently in both zone and gap principles
- Knack for getting first downs in short yardage situations and touchdowns in the redzone
- Good hands out of the backfield and shows good effort in pass protection
- One of the best backs in the class when it comes to ball security with just one fumble on 552 carries
- Team captain at Washington
Negatives:
- Opting not to do drills and workouts at the NFL Combine or Pro Day is questionable to say the least
- Doesn’t have great speed or a second gear to break off long runs
- Has a bit of wiggle in open space, but his agility and lateral movement is average at best
- Won’t be much of a threat to churn out big runs to the outside given the aforementioned limitations
- Missed some time the past two years at Washington with foot/knee injuries
Hart’s Projection: Top 100 Selection — Late Day 2 Value
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Coleman
With Dobbins and Harvey back, Denver’s 1-2 punch from last season is set in place. Even so, Dobbins’ injury history suggests the team can’t bank on him for an entire season. Every fan saw how the Broncos’ rushing attack struggled in his absence, which certainly indicates they should pursue another option for their backfield in the event he misses time again in 2026.
Coleman’s decision to not do any athletic testing throughout the pre-draft process raises some concerns. Though his lack of explosiveness was already evident on tape. But just how much will that limit his potential in the NFL Nevertheless, Coleman’s strengths indicate he shows quite a bit of promise as future NFL player. His vision and productivity as an early down back will be a plus for teams. Moreover, there are no doubts talent evaluators will value his touchdown productivity near the goal line.
There are some analysts who have Coleman slated as a second-round selection. I feel he is more of a third-round target based on the limitations mentioned above. If the Broncos opted to trade out of #62 and move back into the third round and take him, I would find that preferable. Denver did have a formal visit and interview with him at the NFL Combine in February, which indicates there is likely a good amount of interest.
But whether or not the Broncos want to use their first pick in this year’s draft at running back remains to be seen. He’s a good player, but I’m not necessarily sure Denver will wind up believing he is the best player on the board when they are officially on the clock in April. I think there are bigger needs to address with their top pick than utilizing one on another running back who would be third on the depth chart to start the year.
