Broncos' 4th-round rookie RB gets Sean Payton praise that bodes well for NFL chance

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.

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