The Denver Broncos have a plan in place, but rookie fourth-round draft pick and running back Jonah Coleman could bust it.
Coleman possesses the kind of skill set the Broncos have been looking for under head coach Sean Payton. He has also drawn rave reviews over his character and has put his willingness to do whatever the Broncos ask in no uncertain terms.
That is why Coleman and the Broncos could be a “perfect” fit.
Ex-Scout, Super Bowl Champion Sends Strong Message on Broncos’ Jonah Coleman
GettyDenver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman continues to draw strong reviews after the 2026 NFL Draft
Bucky Brooks–a Super Bowl champion during his playing days and an NFL scout after, before becoming an analyst for the league–offered that strong take on Coleman, whom the Broncos selected 108th overall in the 2026 draft.
Brooks pointed to the combination of Coleman’s skill set and Payton’s offensive mind as reasons for optimism, listing the fit among his “10 perfect” pairings across the league.
Brooks even forecasted that Coleman could challenge for a larger role than what is planned.
“Sean Payton has always found a way to maximize the talents of multi-purpose backs in his offensive scheme. I see Coleman as one of the hidden gems in the 2026 class, a crafty runner-receiver with outstanding vision, balance and body control,” Brooks wrote in an article for NFL.com on May 1.
“A natural scat back with the ability to move the chains on downhill runs between the tackles or on screens and swings on the perimeter, Coleman should shine in his role as an RB2/RB3 in a scheme that relies on the running back to create and exploit mismatches within the box.”
Coleman tallied 3,892 yards and 37 touchdowns on 639 touches over the past four seasons, split between the Arizona Wildcats and, most recently, the Washington Huskies.
That dual-threat skill set could certainly earn Coleman more looks for the Broncos.
Jonah Coleman Could Finally Fill ‘Joker’ Role
GettyThe Denver Broncos have been in search of a player with the skill set that Jonah Coleman possesses.
The Broncos have sought a “joker” for Payton’s offense since the head coach arrived via trade in 2023, and Coleman could finally be it.
The Broncos’ plan for Coleman includes third-down work.
He is expected to mix in behind veteran starter J.K. Dobbins and current RB2 RJ Harvey, a second-round pick in 2025. Dobbins has been prone to injuries in his career, though. Harvey showed much better as a pass-catcher than a between-the-tackles runner as a rookie.
In addition to Coleman’s pass blocking and receiving skills, he has been compared to Dobbins as a runner.
The “joker” in Payton’s offense (with the New Orleans Saints) was a running back or tight end.
Much of the conversation with the Broncos has revolved around finding that player at the latter position. In reality, it has been the former more often than not. The most prominent example at TE is Jimmy Graham. At RB, Alvin Kamara, Reggie Bush, and Darren Sproles all stand out.
Broncos RB Room One to Watch
GettyJ.K. Dobbins leads an intriguing Denver Broncos running back room.
Dobbins has the talent to produce in that fashion. However, the Broncos cannot rely on him to be available for a full season.
Harvey, too, is a willing and capable playmaker, but may be best-suited for a specialized role.
Coleman stands as an option to address every aspect of playing the running back position for the Broncos. He could be increasingly tasked with doing so as the 2026 regular season wears on in Denver.
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