Broncos' 4th-round rookie RB gets Sean Payton praise that bodes well for NFL chance
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Broncos' 4th-round rookie RB gets Sean Payton praise that bodes well for NFL chance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Denver Broncos are set to be a top Super Bowl contender in 2026. They came close last year, but this season, the elite defense and strengthened offense should be in great shape.
While there will be plenty of attention on Bo Nix in his return from injury, and Jaylen Waddle after the blockbuster trade to bring him to Denver, there is another group of players worth watching leading up to the regular season.
CBS Sports' Carter Bahns highlighted some commentary from Sean Payton about the running back position group, and specifically on 4th-round rookie Jonah Coleman, that could have some RB rotation implications.
"Payton specifically complimented Jonah Coleman... Coleman was in 'good shape' upon arrival in Denver, his coach said," Bahns reports.
While there's no direct implication that Coleman will be taking over the backfield or anything of such significance, this commentary from Payton is worth noting for the RB room in 2026.
Jonah Coleman gets praise from Sean Payton that bodes well for NFL chance
J.K. Dobbins is likely to be the starting running back in 2026 for Denver after he had success last season as the starter. RJ Harvey will also factor into the backfield, taking over plenty of receiving work on third downs for Denver.
But Coleman might be making a serious play for playing time this season. Normally, it would not be a surprise if a running back drafted in the fourth round doesn't see a ton of playing time in his rookie season.
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That's especially the case with Dobbins (on a $16 million two-year deal) and Harvey (a 2025 second-rounder) ahead of him on the depth chart.
However, the 5-foot-9, 225-pound running back looks to have a legitimate chance for some early playing time this season. Payton's praise is not a direct indication of their plan, but it does at least bode well for Coleman's odds for a role in the offense.
He likely won't be the starter at any point this season, barring an injury or two, but if he could even become a rotational RB in this offense, it would be a big win in his rookie season.