RJ

Harvey

Coleman, the 109th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will likely start as RB3 on the Denver’s depth chart to begin training camp. JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are widely expected to split the team’s backfield workload, as they did for much of the 2025 season before Dobbins’ season-ending ankle injury. Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in late April that Coleman “can play on third downs.” Coleman, who produced 71 percent of his rushing yardage after contact at Washington, could secure a reliable role in the Denver backfield if Dobbins or Harvey miss time in 2026.

“Normally, you have to project that,” Payton said of Coleman, the 109th pick in the 2026 draft out of Washington. “A lot of these guys, in college, maybe the protection plan’s different or limited. So you have to develop that, and that’s fine, but (Coleman’s) frame is such that, when you see him, he does a really good job in blocking pressure looks.” Denver front office officials and coaches have been effusive in their praise for Coleman. Broncos assistant general manager Reed Burckhardt compared Coleman favorably to JK Dobbins, who will return tot he Denver backfield in 2026. “We really like his run style, his ability between the tackles as a finisher,” Burckhardt said. Coleman’s tough running style — he produced a sky-high 71 percent of his college rushing production after first contact — could force Payton to use the rookie early in the 2026 season. Coleman will be a popular late-round fantasy stash this summer.

The Broncos used a fourth-round pick to select Coleman in this year’ draft. While it’s not a high enough pick to suggest he will see significant playing time out of the gate, it sounds like he will have a chance to prove himself in certain situations and earn a heavier workload as he progresses this offseason and into the regular season. While both JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey stand in the way of Coleman, Dobbins is on a two-year deal and would cost just $2 million to cut next offseason, and Harvey struggled on the ground as a rookie, averaging just 3.7 YPC and 2.72 yards after contact per attempt. Coleman will make for an interesting stash in redraft and best ball leagues this offseason, and could turn into a touchdown vulture that puts a hard cap on the fantasy upside of both Dobbins and Harvey.

Per Klis, Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr., Washington RB Jonah Coleman, Kentucky RB Seth McGowan, Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton and Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss are among the “possibilities” at running back. Klis is not declaring that a running back will be the pick. Reports on the Broncos’ backfield simply remain somewhat in flux. The team re-signed veteran RB J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason and it remains to be seen whether last year’s 60th overall pick, RB RJ Harvey, is a real candidate to be the team’s long-term starter. For now, Dobbins appears to be slated for Week 1 starting duties, but Harvey or a rookie could challenge him for the role.

Denver dabbled in the running back market this offseason, but wound up bringing back JK Dobbins. It does feel like Dobbins will at least open as the lead back, as he did last year, but not being willing to pay a major premium for a back is probably an endorsement of the idea of Harvey breaking out in his second season. This will be a position battle to monitor during OTAs and training camp.

Dobbins was on pace for a career-year in Denver before a foot injury sidelined him for the final seven games of the regular season. In 10 games, Dobbins rushed 153 times for 772 yards and four touchdowns while adding another 11-37-0 through the air. When healthy, the 27-year-old running back was unquestioned RB1, earning 28 percent of the team’s backfield opportunities compared to RJ Harvey’s 13 percent, while also handling 57 percent of the team’s carries. His return undoubtedly puts a cap on Harvey’s rushing upside entering next season, but Harvey should retain some value as a pass-catcher and remains a high-end handcuff while playing behind a player with a lengthy injury history. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Dobbins will get $8 million guaranteed out of his two-year, $20 million deal.

In other words, RJ Harvey-reliant managers, keep your head on a swivel. Kosmider names Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, and Rico Dowdle as three backs the Broncos could have interest in. He adds that it’s “within the realm of possibility” that J.K. Dobbins returns, and also notes that the Broncos could search for young depth on Day 3 of the draft. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for RJ Harvey, fantasy superstar. Harvey could very well wind up in a committee again in 2026. The Broncos have enough cap space to be in play for the bigger name backs.

In an article written by ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Payton said the team was “able to (run under center) a few times, but not as much as I’d like.” Per Legwold, the Broncos ranked 10th in runs under center last season at 64.9 percent, but trailed the Rams, who led the league in runs under center (87.3 percent) by a wide margin. More runs from under center could result in the team using fewer three-receiver sets next season, with Payton himself saying he would like the options of two-back or multiple-tight end sets also at his disposal. Whether or not JK Dobbins returns next season is still up in the air, but RJ Harvey, who ran for 146-540-7, figures to see a larger role out of the gate next season than he did as a rookie. More runs from under center could help Harvey, who struggled at times as a runner (3.7 YPC) last season, especially if Payton utilizes more tight ends to help create holes.

A successful rookie season officially comes to an end for Harvey, whose 12 touchdowns led all rookie running backs this season. The rookie second-rounder was as advertised this season. He flashed on the ground on his way to a 146-540-7 rushing line, while also soaking up 47 catches for 356 yards and another five scores. Harvey faced early competition from J.K. Dobbins to start the season, but a foot injury to Dobbins in Week 10 paved the way for Harvey to lead the Broncos backfield. Following the injury to Dobbbins, Harvey saw a 28 percent opportunity share and ranked ninth among all running backs with 29 targets from Weeks 11-18. Dobbins joined the Broncos on a one-year deal last offseason. Assuming he doesn’t return, the path to more touches should be clear for Harvey in 2026, making him a prime fantasy pick for managers.

Dobbins is not yet ready to resume playing. He remained limited throughout all three practices this week after the Broncos opened his 21-day practice window on Monday. With Dobbins out, rookie RB RJ Harvey will again lead the backfield. He totaled 11 touches last week. Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin handled four and RB Tyler Badie had one.