- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,247
- Reaction score
- 59
With J.K. Dobbins now healthy and RJ Harvey returning as the No. 2 running back, the Denver Broncos might not have a featured running role available for running back Jonah Coleman in his rookie season.
Broncos coach Sean Payton has said since the day he arrived in Denver that he prefers to feature two running backs in the ground game, but he has also created roles for third-down options, such as Tyler Badie last season. This year, Coleman could be a strong candidate to win that third-down job, thanks in large part to his ability as a pass blocker.
“It’s really important," Coleman said of pass protection. "Now I get to go protect Bo Nix, and I take pride in that. I may not have all the exciting plays and all of that, but I do the dirty work. I do those things that not a lot of people pay attention to. Just being able to be well-rounded. When I was a freshman, Coach [Scottie] Graham said, ‘The only way you’re going to get on this field is if you’re able to pick up blitzes.’
"Just being able to be well-rounded and not have to come off the field on third downs is what I bring. So just being able to be well-rounded is something I take pride in. I can catch the ball, obviously pass pro is the big thing in my game and running the ball is what I do.”
That ability to block and catch could help Coleman get on the field as a rookie. And while he might not get many carries on first or second down, the rookie could make an impact on passing downs.
“Yes, you saw it in college tape," Payton said of Coleman's pass blocking. "It’s not often that you’re looking at a college back [with that much experience blocking]. You’re always having to project somewhat, ‘How’s he going to be in protection?’ Sometimes the stature is going to just limit him, period. He had quite a bit of film, but most of the time when you’re drafting or signing a college running back, there’s going to be a learning curve with protections.
"Certainly, the complexity sometimes, maybe, of what they see, but that was a strong suit when you were looking at his tape, different than the rest of the class. He just had more opportunities on third down, and to release and also to block.”
Coleman totaled 54 receptions for 531 yards and two scores as a receiver out of the backfield in two seasons (25 games) at Washington. He will now get an opportunity to carve out a role in Denver, and if he excels on third down, Coleman's role should grow in the coming years.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Jonah Coleman to protect Bo Nix on passing downs
Continue reading...
Broncos coach Sean Payton has said since the day he arrived in Denver that he prefers to feature two running backs in the ground game, but he has also created roles for third-down options, such as Tyler Badie last season. This year, Coleman could be a strong candidate to win that third-down job, thanks in large part to his ability as a pass blocker.
“It’s really important," Coleman said of pass protection. "Now I get to go protect Bo Nix, and I take pride in that. I may not have all the exciting plays and all of that, but I do the dirty work. I do those things that not a lot of people pay attention to. Just being able to be well-rounded. When I was a freshman, Coach [Scottie] Graham said, ‘The only way you’re going to get on this field is if you’re able to pick up blitzes.’
"Just being able to be well-rounded and not have to come off the field on third downs is what I bring. So just being able to be well-rounded is something I take pride in. I can catch the ball, obviously pass pro is the big thing in my game and running the ball is what I do.”
That ability to block and catch could help Coleman get on the field as a rookie. And while he might not get many carries on first or second down, the rookie could make an impact on passing downs.
“Yes, you saw it in college tape," Payton said of Coleman's pass blocking. "It’s not often that you’re looking at a college back [with that much experience blocking]. You’re always having to project somewhat, ‘How’s he going to be in protection?’ Sometimes the stature is going to just limit him, period. He had quite a bit of film, but most of the time when you’re drafting or signing a college running back, there’s going to be a learning curve with protections.
"Certainly, the complexity sometimes, maybe, of what they see, but that was a strong suit when you were looking at his tape, different than the rest of the class. He just had more opportunities on third down, and to release and also to block.”
Coleman totaled 54 receptions for 531 yards and two scores as a receiver out of the backfield in two seasons (25 games) at Washington. He will now get an opportunity to carve out a role in Denver, and if he excels on third down, Coleman's role should grow in the coming years.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Jonah Coleman to protect Bo Nix on passing downs
Continue reading...
