Jonah Coleman Building Real Buzz in Denver’s Crowded Backfield
Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman has quickly become one of the more talked-about names in Denver’s crowded backfield this summer, even if the depth chart hierarchy remains more settled than some reports suggest.
The Broncos took Coleman in the fourth round despite already rostering J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. After watching Coleman’s preseason debut against Atlanta, head coach Sean Payton didn’t hold back. “I kind of felt it… and there was a point when he got like two or three carries, and I’m like, ‘alright, I’ve seen enough,'” Payton said. “I didn’t need additional evidence of what I’ve been seeing for three weeks.” Coleman averaged 6 yards per carry in that outing, flashing the patience and contact balance that made him one of college football’s most efficient runners over his final two seasons at Washington.
Coleman was briefly listed at No. 6 on an early unofficial depth chart, which caused some fantasy panic before it became clear this is a standard Payton move; he routinely lists rookies at the bottom regardless of where they actually stand. In reality, Coleman is considered the clear No. 3 back, positioned as the primary backup to Dobbins, with a specific role in short-yardage and goal-line situations if he sees the field early.
Denver also views Coleman as a legitimate three-down talent, praising his pass protection and receiving ability out of Washington, but most current reporting suggests that a fuller role likely won’t arrive until 2027, once he’s had more time to develop. Harvey, meanwhile, remains firmly entrenched as the team’s third-down and passing-game specialist after catching 47 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, a role Payton and the coaching staff have continued to reinforce this summer rather than hand to Coleman.
Dobbins remains the starter after rushing for 772 yards in just 10 games last season, but his extensive injury history, including a torn ACL and a torn Achilles earlier in his career, means Denver’s plan could change quickly if he misses time. In that scenario, Coleman’s physical running style and third-down chops give him a real path to a significantly expanded role, even if he hasn’t yet overtaken Harvey on the depth chart the way some recent buzz has suggested.
For now, Coleman looks like exactly what a strong Day 3 rookie back should be: a legitimate handcuff with standalone flashes, not yet the favorite to leapfrog an established teammate, but squarely in the mix if opportunity strikes. Be patient.
