Latest On Broncos’ Running Back Plans

But Coleman’s offseason form points to the Day 3 rookie forcing the issue as a rookie. Coleman “probably will” play early, per the Denver Post’s Luca Evans, as he has shown intriguing form as a pass catcher — albeit before pads have come on — and was internally labeled the best pass-protecting back in this year’s class.

Considering Coleman’s skillset, the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel tabs him as a logical third-down option as a rookie. The stout running back totaled 31 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns last season at Washington. He totaled 25 rushing TDs from 2024-25. While Harvey looks to be a more promising aerial playmaker, the Broncos may now feature a crowded backfield.

This would be welcome news for a team that was down to Harvey as its lead runner after Dobbins’ November Lisfranc injury. The 2025 second-rounder has some developing to do when it comes to north-south running, as Jaleel McLaughlin provided more consistency in that department post-Dobbins. But Harvey remains firmly in the Broncos’ plans despite the Coleman pick. Even if the Coleman move could mean more competition for touches, Evans adds the Broncos have not lost faith in Harvey.

Sean Payton regularly deployed two-headed backfields in New Orleans. Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram served as primary backs, with Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara as lethal complementary options. Kamara forced his way into a bigger role early in his career and went 5-for-5 in Pro Bowl nods under Payton. Harvey only averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season, but the Broncos were not planning on using him as a starter; Dobbins’ injury took the then-rookie off the Kamara path.

Harvey still scored 12 touchdowns last season, with his receiving skills (47/356/5) on display, and The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider notes the team believes he has room for growth in this area. Dobbins’ return and the presence of Coleman should help confine Harvey to situations that best utilize his talents, though the rookie carving out an early role does seem to complicate matters.

Dobbins, though, might be the NFL’s most injury-prone active player. The former Ravens second-round pick has missed a staggering 54 regular-season games in six seasons. Odds are, the recently re-signed RB will miss time in 2026.

The Broncos certainly did not appear to be planning to lean on Dobbins again. They were mentioned as being interested in Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker, and they look to have made a competitive offer to Travis Etienne. The Jaguars then attempted to replace Etienne with Dobbins, but after he had been a top-five rusher prior to suffering the Lisfranc injury, Dobbins expressed interest in re-signing with the Broncos. After their Etienne plan fell through, Dobbins signed a two-year, $16MM deal that brings $8MM guaranteed at signing.

Had the Broncos landed Etienne, Coleman probably goes elsewhere in the draft. A few other teams were interested. The team also re-signed McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. The roster certainly does not have room for both players, and depending on how other positions are structured, both backs may not make the 53-man outfit.

This is McLaughlin’s fourth year in Denver; the former UDFA — the NCAA’s all-divisions career rushing yardage leader — has twice averaged more than five yards per carry. The diminutive ex-Javonte Williams complementary piece rushed for 496 yards in 2024 but was an afterthought during the Dobbins portion of last season.

This will be Badie’s fifth year in Denver; he arrived as a late-season practice squad signee in 2022. Despite missing most of the 2024 season due to injury, the former Ravens draftee worked regularly as a third-down option — over McLaughlin — last year. Coleman’s arrival complicates both backups’ paths to the active roster, however. A practice squad spot could be in play for these RBs, though waiver interest could come their way — particularly in McLaughlin’s case — if they are cut in August.