The Denver Broncos are dealing with a relatively minor contract headache ahead of minicamp for a trio of rookie draft picks — Tyler Onyedim, Jonah Coleman, and Kage Casey — although it should not impact their availability for now.
“Broncos third-round DL Tyler Onyedim will be in minicamp on an injury protection deal, source said,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on X on Thursday. “Same with fourth-round RB Jonah Coleman and OL Kage Casey. Common practice for guys in the mid rounds where there’s a little more wiggle room in negotiations.”
The Broncos have their rookie minicamp scheduled for May 8-10 and mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 16-18.
The Broncos did not have a 1st round pick in the 2026 NFL draft after trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. They also traded out of the 2nd round, meaning Onyedim was their 1st pick in the draft.
“Sources say Broncos RB Jonah Coleman to participate in rookie minicamp on injury protection agreement & won’t immediately sign,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson wrote on X. “Hangup is due to some players in 4th round with injury splits. Players seek protection for 2 years of full pay if hurt during a year rather than just 1.”
Tyler Onyedim Has Chance to Crack Starting Lineup
Onyedim, 6-foot-3 and 292 pounds, could very well be a plug-and-play replacement for defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who left in free agency for a 3-year, $63 million free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has already said Onyedim will get a chance to take JFM’s spot in the starting lineup. Malcolm Roach is currently listed at the top of the depth chart.
“Tyler Onyedim absolutely has a shot at taking John Franklin–Myers‘ spot on the Broncos’ defensive line this year,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens wrote on his official X account.
“I think this is a guy who can come in and make an impact,” NFL draft expert Fran Duffy said. “Kind of a hybrid body type … Played in a couple different schemes. I like the fit here.”
Jonah Coleman Predicted He’d Play for Broncos
Attending a pre-draft event, Coleman was filmed walking up to a mock display of the dais that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stands at when he announces draft picks.
“With the 62nd pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos select … Jonah Coleman! University of Washington! Running back!” Coleman says, smiling.
The Broncos didn’t select Coleman with the 62nd pick — they took him at No. 108 overall in the 4th round.
“Spoke into existence,” Coleman wrote on X.
It was the 2nd consecutive year the Broncos drafted a running back following 2nd round pick RJ Harvey in 2025. Harvey took over for starter J.K. Dobbins after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 10 and finished with 12 total touchdowns as a rookie — 7 rushing and 5 receiving.
“Broncos’ new RB Jonah Coleman can do it all,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens wrote on his official X account on Saturday. “Last two years at Washington, he racked up 1,811 rushing yards and 531 receiving yards with a whopping 27 total TDs … Broncos RB room: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jonah Coleman, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie.”
Broncos Rookies Deal With Contract Issues Before Minicamp