Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton gave rookie running back Jonah Coleman some massive praise after finishing Week 1 of OTAs. Even though spring practices do not have full contact or pads yet, the young fourth-round pick is quickly standing out.

"He had a good rookie camp. He's put together well. There are some positions I think that are a little bit more difficult to evaluate [this time of year]," Sean Payton told the media when asked for his early impressions of the RB. "Ultimately, with him as a runner, they have to tackle you, but he's all football."

Coleman actually willed himself to Denver by building a tight relationship with the coaches during his pre-draft top-30 facility visit. He openly told team reporters on draft day that he always knew he was meant to be a Bronco.

Many draft analysts considered Washington RB Jonah Coleman a Day 2 talent, but he slid to pick 108 in the fourth round.

Teams backed off because of his 40-yard dash time (4.50 seconds) and weight fluctuations, like when he reached 236 pounds in college. Still, Denver saw a player with incredible vision and power.

The team quickly signed Coleman to his four-year rookie contract, showing everyone they are ready to get to work.

"His frame is such, when you see him, that he does a really good job in blocking pressure looks. He's smart, he's tough," Sean Payton had said after drafting the 108th overall pick. "There was a lot to like with him."

Payton further explained on draft day that they loved his physical style, his toughness, and his advanced ability to protect the QB and block a rushing defence on third downs.

Jonah Coleman's College Production and His Role in Denver's Backfield

Coleman brings serious production to the NFL from his 50 college games split between Arizona and Washington.

Over his four years, he accumulated 3,054 rushing yards and 34 TDs on the ground. The player also added 87 catches for 838 yards.

He was also a finalist for the versatile Paul Hornung Award last season. The award is given to the most versatile players in college football.

"Just coming in and being able to be with guys like RJ Harvey, J.K. Dobbins, and stuff like that. Ultimately, have a three-headed monster in the run game," Jonah Coleman told the Broncos team media after being picked in the draft. "I believe that's where it starts: in the trenches."

Dobbins is returning from a late-2025 Lisfranc injury, while Harvey plays a specialized pass-catching role.

This gives Coleman a chance to provide a physical, between-the-tackles grinding option to help support young quarterback Bo Nix.

Will Jonah Coleman be able to lock down a major role in this offense during training camp? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote