Broncos Rookie Forecast 2026
Solid Starter
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington – Round 1 
The Broncos took a running back in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft in R.J. Harvey, but Harvey was not overly impressive as a rookie. Denver head coach Sean Payton has traditionally employed a two-back offense, so it was not surprising when the Broncos added to their backfield with Coleman. While Harvey had more highlight reel runs from his final season of college football, Coleman enters that league more well-rounded with the polish to be a three-down starter early in his pro career.
As a runner, Coleman (5-8, 220) is a force. Coleman is a North-South power back who runs through contact and constantly charges through defenders. With his power and strength, Coleman was dangerous in short-yardage and goal-line situations as he is a physical runner who shows no fear to hit the hole with authority. Coleman is a decisive runner who charges downfield and is not one to dance in the backfield. He has zero hesitation to stick his nose into a scrum and power through the defense to generate positive yardage. His power allows him to finish runs well, and he consistently is dragging tacklers behind him.
Coleman is a true North-South runner who is a one-cut downhill force. However, he also has some elusiveness to dodge and juke defenders. He would fit a zone blocking scheme as a one-cut, downhill tailback, but he is more of a North-South runner.
As a receiver, Coleman does a nice job for a power back. He showed the ability to contribute as a receiver with quality production through route running and reliable hands. Like all college backs, Coleman will need development with blitz protection, but he is a willing blocker who has the potential to be a good contributor in that phase.
After a year rotating in the backfield, I could see Coleman becoming a solid co-starter with Harvey. Coleman has the skill set and upside to be a starter, and he was an excellent value pick by Denver in the fourth round with the 108th pick in the draft.
2025: Jahdae Barron, CB
2024: Bo Nix, QB
2023: Drew Sanders, OLB
2022: Nik Bonitto, OLB
2021: Patrick Surtain, CB
2020: K.J. Hamler, WR
2019: Drew Lock, QB
2018: Courtland Sutton, WR
2017: Demarcus Walker, DE
2016: Devontae Booker, RB
2015: Jeff Heuerman, TE
2014: Lamin Barrow, LB
2013: Sylvester Williams, DE
Most Likely To Bust
NONEThe Broncos did not draft a player in the first or second round and only made one selection in the top 100. I don’t see a boom or bust potential with third-round pick Tyler Onyedim. I think he will be a solid rotational defensive lineman in the NFL.
2025: Pat Bryant, WR
2024: None
2023: None
2022: Greg Dulcich, TE
2021: Baron Browning, LB
2020: McTelvin Agim, DT
2019: Dalton Risner, OT
2018: Isaac Yiadom, CB
2017: Carlos Henderson, WR
2016: Justin Simmons, S
2015: Ty Sambrailo, OT
2014: Bradley Roby, CB
2013: Montee Ball, RB
Potential Boom Pick
NONEThe Broncos did not draft a player in the first or second round and only made one selection in the top 100. I don’t see a boom or bust potential with third-round pick Tyler Onyedim. I think he will be a solid rotational defensive lineman in the NFL.
2025: R.J. Harvey, RB
2024: None
2023: None
2022: None
2021: None
2021: Javonte Williams, RB
2020: Jerry Jeudy, WR
2019: Noah Fant, TE
2018: Bradley Chubb, DE
2017: Garett Bolles, OT
2016: Paxton Lynch, QB
2015: Shane Ray, LB
2014: Cody Latimer, WR
2013: Quanterus Smith, DE
Future Depth Player
Justin Joly, TE, N.C. State – Round 5 
Sean Payton’s offense deploys a lot of double-tight end sets, and Joly is a nice scheme fit for Denver. While Joly is not a big tight end, he can fit as the F (receiving) when they go with 12 personnel. Joly showed athleticism, route-running, and quickness to get open. He may not have the size or strength to become a three-down starter in the NFL, but he could be a rotational tight end that contributes in the passing game.
2025: Sai’vion Jones, DE
2024: Troy Franklin, WR
2023: Marvin Mims, WR
2022: Damarri Mathis, CB
2021: Caden Sterns, S
2020: Albert Okweugbunam, TE
2019: Dre’Mont Jones, DT
2018: Daesean Hamilton, WR
2017: Brendan Langley, CB
2016: Connor McGovern, G
2015: Max Garcis, C
2014: Corey Nelson, LB
2013: Kayvon Webster, CB
