The Denver Broncos announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team said Coleman was chosen for his physical style and potential to fit into their offense. Head Coach Sean Payton said, “We’re not trying to get too cute here. We’re trying to find — who’s the best runner, and does it fit us? We felt strongly it did with him.”
Payton described Coleman as a “physical runner” and compared his play style to current Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins. Coleman, who was a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection, will join Dobbins and second-year player RJ Harvey in Denver’s backfield. “You ultimately have a three-headed monster in the run game,” Coleman said Saturday of joining the duo. “I believe that’s where it starts, in the trenches.”
Payton emphasized that selecting Coleman was based on finding the best available runner rather than planning how he would complement other players: “He can play on third down,” Payton said. He also noted Coleman’s blocking ability and intelligence: “His frame is such when you see him, that he does a really good job in blocking pressure looks. He’s smart, he’s tough. There was a lot to like with him.” Over four collegiate seasons at Arizona and Washington, Coleman averaged 5.5 yards per carry, surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, and scored 25 touchdowns over two seasons with Washington.
Ball security contributed positively to Coleman’s evaluation; he lost only one fumble during his college career according to Payton: “It takes an athlete who’s talented, and you also see how they’re being coached,” Payton said.
Coleman expressed enthusiasm about joining Denver: “It was God’s plan,” Coleman said. “It was exactly how it worked out… Ultimately in my heart, I felt like being a Bronco was the perfect place and the perfect situation for me… I’m excited to get this thing rolling.”
