Mile High Sports

Jonah Coleman reminds Denver Broncos brass of J.K. Dobbins: But how much is hype?

Rich Kurtzman

Nov 8, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) rushes with the football against Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Jonah Coleman reminds Denver Broncos decision-makers of J.K. Dobbins.

That, per Dave Logan, the voice of the Broncos.

But are George Paton and Sean Payton just telling that to Logan to hype of Denver’s rookie running back?

Jonah Coleman reminds Denver Broncos front office of Dobbins

Coleman could be a great running back for Denver.

The team took him in the fourth round, and he looks like a beastly young halfback. He’s 5’8″ and 220 pounds; a bowling ball of a back. He runs with toughness, and though he takes a bit to get going, can turn on enough speed to get the corner and enjoy explosive runs.

At least, at the college level. Against my alma mater, the Colorado State Rams.

And when it comes to this 2026 Denver Broncos draft, Coleman is certainly a player Broncos Country is excited about watching. The team needed another running back to backup Dobbins while simultaneously providing that powerful punch and toughness that Dobbins gives the offense.

RJ Harvey is still No. 2, but Harvey is the speedy scat back. They needed someone to fill in the power back role if Dobbins goes down with an injury again.

And Logan explained they see Coleman as a younger Dobbins.

 

Jeremy Fowler echoed this, explaining they see “shades of Dobbins” his his footwork.

But is it all just hype?

Dobbins was an elite prospect, Coleman is only so-so

There’s a world where Broncos fans can be excited to watch the incoming running back while also having some reasonable expectations.

Coleman could prove to be a valuable backup this year and provide that needed depth. But he’s unlikely to have as good a career as J.K. Dobbins. At least, based on their raw talent.

Way back in 2020, Dobbins earned a 6.38 grade by NFL.com which labeled him as a plus starter. His draft model score via Next Gen Stats was also a 90, the “elite” level, with 99 being best.

Conversely, Coleman is predicted to be an average backup and his Next Gen Stats Draft Model score was 77, which is “good.”

Part of Dobbins earning that “elite” grade is likely his speed. One source said he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, while USA TODAY said 4.45. Either way, those numbers are better than Coleman’s 4.50 speed.

On top of all that, Dobbins junior year at Ohio State was something special. He rushed for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns, which each led the nation that year. His YPC was a career-best 6.7.

Meanwhile, Coleman’s senior season was strong (758 yards, 15 TDs, 4.9 YPC) but not close to Dobbins’ last year at the collegiate level.

A more apt comparison for Coleman seems to be another Broncos back: C.J. Anderson. They’re almost the exact same height and weight, and while he broke a few big runs here and there, Anderson was never the speediest guy, either.

Ultimately, it’s less important if Coleman is getting hyped up than whether or not he actually performs when he’s called upon.

Dobbins is the unquestioned No. 1 running back in Davis Webb’s offense. Then, it’s Harvey, Coleman factors in at No. 3, with Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie still around as well.

It’s fantastic that Paton and Payton got a bigger back to backup Dobbins in case the starter goes down with injury again, but Webb is going to have to get the youngster some reps, too. Otherwise he won’t be able to step in and confidently carry the pigskin.

Or, maybe the Broncos take a three-headed approach into the season and keep Dobbins from wearing down.

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