Broncos' loaded roster enhanced by one of most impactful picks made on Day 3 of draft

The Denver Broncos had one of the league's most complete rosters heading into the 2026 NFL Draft and the team was just looking to add some finishing touches. Many believed that a running back was the team's top need and in the fourth round, the Broncos were able to select Jonah Coleman out of Washington. 

A powerful, downhill runner, Coleman rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 34 touchdowns during his college career. He also hauled in 87 receptions, something that flew under the radar a bit but makes him an ideal fit in Sean Payton's offense. 

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report made a small list of players he feels have a chance to make an immediate impact right out of the gate in 2026 and Coleman is the first name he mentions. Here was his assessment:

"Jonah Coleman was highly productive at Washington, topping 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 and posted 25 scores on the ground the past two seasons.

That was part of what got the 5'8", 220-pounder drafted early on Day 3 by the Broncos, but head coach Sean Payton told reporters that the team was attracted by how well Coleman handled pass protection duties in college.

The Broncos were mediocre at best running the ball last year, averaging just under 118 yards per game on the ground. But surprisingly the team didn't do much to upgrade the unit, instead electing to re-sign veteran JK Dobbins.

Dobbins was effective when healthy in 2025, but "when healthy" is a caveat that has hounded Dobbins throughout his career. R.J. Harvey was OK as a rookie, but the second-round pick averaged just 3.7 yards per carry.

There's a pathway to an early workload for Coleman, especially if he can show that he isn't a liability as a pass-blocker. And given Dobbins' penchant for getting hurt (he has averaged 12 missed games the last four years), it won't be a huge upset if Coleman winds up the lead back for one of the AFC's best teams sooner rather than later."

Is Jonah Coleman the missing piece for the Denver Broncos?

The Broncos have multiple reasons to blame for just missing out on the Super Bowl last year. Most will point to Bo Nix having to miss the AFC Championship Game with a broken ankle, but the team almost certainly wins that game, even with subpar play from Jarrett Stidham, if it has a better rushing attack. 

A player like Coleman would have made all the difference in that game. That is why his selection in the fourth round is so important for what the team is looking to accomplish this season. As Davenport points out, he should have a chance to make a huge difference for a team that is going to have a committee at the running back position, which is what Payton prefers. 

HOT DEBATE: John Elway or Aaron Rodgers, which quarterback would you rather have?

Coleman could be the Broncos' leading rusher this season and that shouldn't surprise anyone. 

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