The Denver Broncos may have found a steal in the 2026 NFL Draft, and according to NFL.com analyst Gennaro Filice, that steal is none other than former Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman.

In a draft class widely considered thin at the running back position, Coleman slipped to the fourth round—the fourth back selected behind Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and Indiana's Kaelon Black. But don't let the draft position fool you: this compact, 5-foot-8, 220-pound bowling ball of a runner brings a skill set that could quickly make him a fan favorite in the Mile High City.

Coleman's college resume is nothing short of impressive. Over his career, he racked up 1,811 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground, while also proving to be a reliable weapon through the air with 54 catches for 531 yards and two more scores. Those numbers suggest he's more than just a between-the-tackles grinder.

Filice was particularly drawn to Coleman's playing style. "At 5-8 and 220 pounds, Coleman has the aesthetic I’m consistently drawn to at this position," he wrote. "What can I say? I love bowling-ball backs! Like J.K. Dobbins, Coleman isn’t going to hit many home runs but will please Sean Payton by getting the most out of each carry."

Speaking of Dobbins, Coleman joins a crowded Broncos backfield that also includes R.J. Harvey. But what could set Coleman apart early is his reputation in pass protection—a non-negotiable for any running back hoping to earn the trust of head coach Sean Payton. If he can prove reliable in that area, he could carve out a role sooner rather than later.

Perhaps the most eye-popping stat? According to Pro Football Focus, Coleman finished his college career with a .316 forced missed tackles per carry rate—the fourth-best mark in all of college football since 2014, trailing only Bijan Robinson, Ashton Jeanty, and David Montgomery. That's elite company, and it speaks to his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and in the open field.

"The production speaks for itself," Coleman told Kay Adams ahead of the draft.

Now, with the Broncos coming off a heartbreaking loss in the AFC Championship Game, Coleman's knack for breaking tackles could be exactly what Denver needs to keep pace in one of the NFL's toughest divisions. Whether he's punching it in near the goal line or turning a dump-off pass into a first down, this fourth-round pick has the tools to become a reliable piece of Payton's offensive puzzle.

For Broncos fans, Coleman might just be the kind of underdog story that turns a good draft class into a great one.