Jonah Coleman 2026 NFL Draft Profile

There aren’t many backs in the country that run as physically as Coleman. He shows the ability to bulldoze through defenders and gain yards after contact. Coleman works great between the tackles and is the type of running back that can wear down defenses. He isn’t just a pure power back, as he displays excellent vision to read through gaps and find the right lane. His agility is impressive considering his playing style. Coleman can quickly make cuts and is a problem for defenders in confined spaces. His patience as a runner is noteworthy, as he lets blocking schemes develop and attacks a gap when it opens. Another strength for Coleman is ball security, with just one career fumble in college.

Weaknesses

Coleman doesn’t possess elite top-end speed, which allows defenders to close in and make tackles in open space. He has proven to be a skilled workhorse back, but isn’t as explosive as others in this draft class. While he is capable as a pass catcher, his route tree is limited and is mainly regulated to screens and dump-offs. This limits his value in third-down situations and two-minute drills.

Overview

Coleman is among the best pure runners in the nation. His physicality, paired with the vision and agility, gives him a high floor at the next level. His ceiling isn’t as high as other prospects due to the limited speed, but his game still brings plenty of value for an NFL franchise. Coleman opted to return to Washington for his final year of eligibility, a decision that appears to be paying off. He works best in the trenches and is an ideal fit in an offense that also has an explosive back with great speed.

Coleman’s playing style is similar to David Montgomery, who has found success alongside Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. He is a great option to have for offenses looking to wear down their opponents and grind out the clock late in games. Coleman’s floor is an early day-three pick, but a strong senior season should cement him as a day-two selection.