The Denver Broncos' rookie running back Jonah Coleman is being touted as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft. An NFL analyst believes the 4th-round pick will make all those teams who passed up on him pay.

Sports Illustrated analyst Justin Melo recently included Jonah Coleman on his list of 10 rookie steals that would "embarrass" the teams that passed on them.

"Jonah Coleman is a potential three-down back whose 2024 tape was better than his 2025 film. The Denver Broncos got a sneaky-good back who should have been drafted earlier," Justin Melo noted. "Despite having J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey in this backfield, head coach Sean Payton will carve out reps for his rookie back."

Coleman is coming off a couple of great seasons with the Washington Huskies, which saw him accumulate 1,811 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. In 2025, he led the Big-10 conference in Scrimmage TDs as well.

As per Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo, Coleman possesses a high football IQ when it comes to different schemes and protections. His versatility and toughness will force the Broncos head coach, Sean Payton, to find a role for him.

Coleman is also the most overlooked draft pick of the 2026 Draft at the RB position per Melo.

Something to note is that, along with all other teams, the Broncos initially passed up on Coleman as well. Instead, they drafted defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim as the 66th overall pick in the third round after trading back.

However, Jonah Coleman was always one of their targets. Denver graded him as one of the few three-down backs in the 2026 class per Sports Illustrated's Chad Jensen.

What matters the most is not how Jonah Coleman got drafted, but that he is now a Broncos RB.

Jonah Coleman gives the Broncos a 3-headed monster at RB

The Broncos drafted Coleman despite having Harvey and Dobbins in the RB room. This shows the front office was unsatisfied with their RB room.

Coleman's addition gives them a three-headed monster on offense and also serves as the best insurance policy to Dobbins, who has missed 53 regular-season games since joining the league in 2020, per 9News' Mike Klis.

"The Broncos also needed another running back to compete and complement RJ Harvey as a receiver and pass protector on the non-running downs," Mike Klis wrote on the inadequacy that Coleman will be expected to fill.

The Denver Post's Luca Evans claimed at the end of Denver's offseason program that Coleman will probably get snaps right away for the Broncos.

Coleman played a huge part in Denver's passing game during practice, and his solid frame makes him a good blocker against oncoming pass rushers.

"Just being able to come in and be with guys like RJ Harvey, J.K. Dobbins,'' Coleman had said after the draft per Klis. "You ultimately have a three-headed monster in the run game.''

SI's Chad Jensen believes that Coleman will be used as Payton's short-yardage back "no matter what," and even perhaps at the goal line. One thing is for sure: Jonah Coleman will be seeing the field.

But can he embarrass those who passed up on him? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote