Broncos' new running back called his shot perfectly ahead of NFL Draft

TL;DR

The Denver Broncos aimed to strengthen their running game in the 2026 NFL Draft, seeking a perfect addition to their backfield. The team's struggles last season highlighted the need for a new running back to support existing players J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.

Key points

Broncos sought a new running back in the 2026 NFL Draft
Team struggled with rushing attack last season
Current backfield includes J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos

jonah coleman

Broncos' new running back called his shot perfectly ahead of NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The Broncos went into the 2026 NFL Draft in search of a new running back. After watching the rushing attack falter down the stretch last season and ultimately lead to one of the biggest reasons they came up just short of reaching the Super Bowl, Sean Payton and his staff were looking for a perfect player to add to a backfield that already includes J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.

They believe they found that player in Washington running back Jonah Coleman. Compared to Maurice Jones-Drew and often referred to as a bowling ball due to his style of running, Coleman could be one of the biggest reasons the Broncos get over that hump and reach the Super Bowl this coming season.

It turns out that Coleman had a strong feeling he would wind up with the Broncos. As he stated on X, he "spoke into existence".

Jonah Coleman predicted the Broncos would draft him

Coleman was wrong about the pick the Broncos would take him out, but those are just small details. He wound up in Denver and is now set up to be a key contributor right out of the gate.

Payton discussed selecting Coleman and feels he's a great fit with what the team already had.

"We're not getting too cute here. We're trying to find who's the best runner and does it fit us. We felt strongly it did with him", said Payton.

Coleman was a running back who was closely connected to the Broncos in the pre-draft process. The fourth round was an area where many figured the team would be looking to add to the room, and Coleman's name was brought up as much, if not more, than any other running back graded in that area.

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