The Denver Broncos had an excellent 2026 NFL Draft.
They added pieces on both sides of the ball to help build around quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Payton. While some big names got most of the attention, two mid-round picks could end up being the smartest choices of all: running back Jonah Coleman (fourth round, 108th overall) and tight end Justin Joly (fifth round, 152nd overall).
These two young players bring talent, toughness, and versatility that Denver needs right now. The Broncos offense has improved with additions like Jaylen Waddle, but they still need depth, playmakers, and fresh legs to stay healthy and explosive over a long season. Coleman and Joly give Payton more weapons that fit his scheme perfectly. They were available later than many expected, making them true value picks or hidden gems.
Jonah Coleman Is a Tough, Explosive Runner
The Broncos selected Coleman out of Washington in the fourth round. At 5-foot-9 and 228 pounds, he is a compact, powerful back who runs with attitude.
In his final college season in 2025, Coleman rushed for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns on 156 carries. He also added 31 receptions for 354 yards and two more scores. Over his last two seasons at Washington, he showed he can carry a heavy workload while staying productive in the passing game. During the first seven weeks of the 2025 college football season, Coleman entered the early Heisman conversation with dominant play, averaging over 7 yards per carry and scoring multiple touchdowns.
Coleman’s style fits what Payton loves in a running back. He runs hard between the tackles, breaks tackles, and has enough speed to get to the edge. He is also reliable in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield. Many scouts compare him to tough, every-down backs like Kyren Williams or David Montgomery. Broncos coaches have already praised his physicality and versatility. Many scouts have even cited his pass protection and willingness to get his hands dirty.
Coleman stated in a combine interview, “You are not gonna play if you can’t pass pro. It’s simple. I’m paying $100M [to a QB], you’re getting paid $2M. Who’s more important?”
With veterans like J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey already on the roster, Coleman probably won’t start as a rookie. But he can earn important snaps right away on third downs, in goal-line packages, and as a change-of-pace runner. If he picks up the playbook quickly and stays healthy, he has the talent to become Denver’s lead back in the future. If Dobbins were to sustain another injury like he did last year, Coleman can slot in and earn snaps as RB2, with chances to even become the RB1.
Justin Joly Is a Big, Athletic Playmaker At Tight End
The 6-foot-3, 251-pound tight end brings size, soft hands, and the ability to create mismatches.
In 2025, Joly led the Wolfpack with 49 receptions for 489 yards and seven touchdowns. Over his college career (starting at UConn before transferring), he totaled nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
Joly excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage, running routes from the slot, and making plays after the catch. Joly’s route-running polish and ability to find open space in the middle of the field make him a perfect match for Nix’s timing-based passing game. Payton loves tight ends who can win in the short and intermediate areas, and Joly has shown he can do exactly that at a high level.
This makes him a perfect fit in Payton’s offense, which often uses tight ends in creative ways to stretch the field and support the run. With veterans like Evan Engram and Adam Trautman ahead of him, Joly can learn the system and earn playing time as a rookie, especially on passing downs.
Why These Two Matter For the Broncos
Coleman and Joly are more than just depth pieces. They address real needs and bring upside that can help the Broncos win now and in the future.
First, they add youth and explosiveness to the offense. The Broncos have invested heavily in Nix. Giving him reliable running back depth and a tight end who can stretch the middle of the field opens up more play-action passes and creative designs. Payton’s offense thrives when it has multiple weapons who can line up in different spots.
Second, they improve versatility and durability. Injuries happen during the long NFL season. Having Coleman, who can handle short-yardage, receiving, and between-the-tackles runs, keeps the backfield fresh. Joly’s ability to play in-line or in the slot gives Denver more matchup problems for defenses.
Third, these are high-value picks. Many experts believe the Broncos got a steal with Coleman. Some even say the team had a third-round grade on him. Joly was a solid All-ACC performer who fell into the fifth round. Finding contributors this late in the draft is how smart teams build contenders without overspending in free agency.
If Coleman and Joly develop nicely, they will become part of a young core alongside Nix. This gives Denver flexibility for the future. They don’t need to be stars in their first year, but flashes in training camp and preseason could earn them bigger roles quickly.
Coleman and Joly might not make the biggest headlines today, but they represent the smart, patient building that Broncos fans have been waiting for. Watch them closely this summer. These two hidden gems can quietly become important contributors and fan favorites in orange and blue.
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