Running back Jonah Coleman has been compared to Houston Texans standout David Montgomery as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. The comparison underscores Coleman’s physical running style and ability to produce consistent gains between the tackles.
Coleman has built his reputation on toughness and balance, making him a reliable option in high-contact situations. His ability to push through defenders and maintain forward momentum has allowed him to thrive in demanding offensive schemes.
Those qualities closely resemble what Montgomery has demonstrated throughout his NFL career. Known for his strength and determination, Montgomery has established himself as a running back who excels in grinding out yards and wearing down defenses.
Coleman’s vision adds another dimension to his game, enabling him to identify running lanes and make quick decisions in traffic. His patience and awareness allow him to maximize opportunities, turning modest openings into productive plays.
Montgomery was recently identified as the closest pro comp to Coleman ahead of the NFL Draft this year. This can be seen in an analysis by Liz Loza for ESPN.
Coleman followed coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington, leading the Huskies in rushing attempts (156), rushing yards (758) and rushing touchdowns (15) in 2025. Compactly built at 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, he is a physical runner with fantastic cut-back ability and substantial quickness. Though his passing work was limited to checkdowns in college, his hands remain reliable, making him a solid underneath option out of the backfield. He has the potential to immediately thrive in a backfield rotation, complementing a faster and more elusive running mate the way Montgomery did in Detroit.
For teams evaluating running back prospects, the Montgomery comparison offers a clear projection of Coleman’s potential role. It suggests a player capable of contributing in a physical, run-focused offense while providing consistency on early downs.
As the draft approaches, Coleman continues to gain attention as a dependable and durable prospect. If his development continues, the similarities to Montgomery could shape how teams view his value as a key contributor in the backfield.
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