In the early stages of the 2026 NFL season, rookie running back Jonah Coleman is making headlines as he garners attention for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Denver Broncos' fourth-round draft pick has been a standout performer throughout training camp, impressing both coaches and local media alike.
During the Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on August 14, Coleman showcased his potential with a limited number of carries. Although he finished the game with just four rushing attempts, he made a significant impact, demonstrating power and agility that caught the eye of fans and analysts. This performance has only fueled the excitement surrounding his role in the Broncos' backfield.
Experts believe Coleman, a product of the University of Washington, could play a vital role in the Broncos' offensive scheme under head coach Sean Payton. ESPN's Dan Graziano highlighted Coleman in his bold predictions for the upcoming season, suggesting that he could be a valuable asset for fantasy football managers as the season progresses. Graziano noted that the Broncos view Coleman as a perfect fit for their offensive strategy, especially considering the injury history of starting running back J.K. Dobbins.
Graziano elaborated on the situation, stating, "Dobbins will be the starting running back, but he carries a significant history of injury. The belief here is that Coleman will overtake RJ Harvey on the depth chart early in the season and is the top choice to step in as the lead guy if Dobbins has to miss games. The Broncos see Coleman as a pro-ready pass protector whose running style is similar to that of Dobbins." This perspective underscores the potential for Coleman to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
In addition to Graziano's predictions, Coleman has also received recognition from NFL.com, where writer Gennaro Filice named him as a frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Notably, Coleman was the only player selected on day three of the draft to receive such accolades, highlighting the expectations surrounding his performance. Filice's acknowledgment reflects a growing belief that Coleman could outperform his draft position, a trend that has been seen with many running backs in recent years.
Local media have echoed these sentiments, with the Denver Post's Sean Keeler describing Coleman as one of the biggest steals of the draft. Keeler pointed out that the Broncos secured Coleman for a relatively low cost, emphasizing that his performance in training camp has made him a bargain for the team. He stated, "Fourth round? $885,000 base salary? $1.19 million cap hit? For the guy who’s been arguably the Broncos’ best runner in camp since they put pads on? Bargain of the draft."
While Coleman's talent is evident, the competition for playing time in the Broncos' backfield remains fierce. Dobbins, when healthy, has proven to be a capable contributor, and RJ Harvey also offers solid skills as a pass-catcher. However, Dobbins has a troubling injury history, having missed a significant number of games throughout his career. If Dobbins were to face injury challenges again this season, Coleman could seize the opportunity to establish himself as a key player in the Broncos' offense.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Coleman to see if he can continue to build on the momentum he has created during training camp and the preseason. With the potential for increased playing time, he could become a breakout star in the NFL, and if given the chance, he may well prove that he is deserving of the Offensive Rookie of the Year title.
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