As the Denver Broncos approach the 2026 NFL draft, running back ranks among the team's biggest roster needs, despite J.K. Dobbins re-signing on a two-year deal last month.
Dobbins is yet to play through a full season in his career, and Denver's rushing attack suffered after Dobbins went down with a foot injury last fall. RJ Harvey was a dynamic complement to Dobbins in coach Sean Payton's offense, but Harvey has not proved to be a reliable workhorse back when Dobbins is not available.
So, expect the Broncos to add another running back during this week's NFL draft. Today, we're taking a quick look at five running backs who could be available at one of Denver's first three picks (Nos. 62, 108 and 111).
1. Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price (5-10, 203 pounds): Price probably won't be on the board when Denver picks at No. 62, but a few recent mock drafts have predicted he will be. Price is a dynamic player who offers value as a runner, receiver and returner.
2. Arkansas RB Mike Washington (6-1, 223 pounds): Washington impressed at the NFL combine, running a 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds. He rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns in the SEC last fall.
3. Washington RB Jonah Coleman (5-8, 220 pounds): Coleman might be an ideal upgrade over Tyler Badie as RB3 because he's a skilled pass blocker who offers more than Badie as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. Coleman scored 17 touchdowns in 2025.
4. Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson (5-10, 202 pounds): Johnson had a productive senior season, rushing for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 370 receiving yards and three more scores as a receiver out of the backfield last fall.
5. Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton (6-0, 219 pounds): Singleton can get it done as a runner, receiver and returner, setting a Nittany Lions record with 5,586 all-purpose yards and 55 total touchdowns in four seasons.
The NFL draft will be held in Pittsburgh this week, with Round 1 set for Thursday evening, Rounds 2-3 scheduled for Friday and Rounds 4-7 set for Saturday. We'll have coverage of Denver's picks on Broncos Wire.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 best running backs in 2026 NFL draft