- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,133,726
- Reaction score
- 59
The New Orleans Saints created some waves when they signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. While this fueled rumors of a split with longtime back Alvin Kamara, it's more likely that these two will be a 1-2 backfield punch for the Saints in 2026. The addition of Etienne probably precludes New Orleans from taking a back early on in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, don't be shocked if the Saints eye up a talent like Washington Huskies back Jonah Coleman with a mid-round selection.
Kamara turns 31 in July and is heading into his 10th season with a big contract. Fourth-year back Kendre Miller is extremely injury-prone and therefore can't be depended on, and 2025 sixth round choice Devin Neal is somewhat unproven. With those backfield issues, it would not be at all surprising if the Saints eyed up a back such as Coleman in the middle rounds to be a future complement to Etienne.
A graduate of Lincoln High School in California, where former Saints wideout Brandin Cooks was an alumni, Coleman started his collegiate career with the Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12. He'd have 372 rushing yards and 4 scores as a freshman in 2022. The following year, he'd lead Arizona with 871 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. He'd follow coach Jedd Fisch to the Washington Huskies after that season.
In 2024 under Fisch at Washington, Coleman would lead the squad with 1,053 rushing yards and 10 scores while earning 3rd Team All-Big Ten honors. His statistical production dipped a bit in 2025, but Coleman still led the team with 758 rushing yards and scored 17 total touchdowns, a number that led the Big Ten and was fifth across the NCAA.
A power back with a nose for the goal line, Coleman could be drafted as early as the second day but projects as an early third day selection. He provides immediate value as a short yardage back, but needs to show that he can produce outside the tackles and improve his receiving ability. It's those two factors that might prevent him from going higher, but his power that could convince a run-heavy team short on backs to grab him in the third or even second round.
New Orleans had only 9 rushing scores in 2025, among the fewest in the NFL. Adding Travis Etienne will help the overall offense tremendously, but doesn't give the team more needed power between the tackles. Drafting a player like Jonah Coleman in Day 3 likely wouldn't take many snaps from Etienne or Alvin Kamara between the 20s. However, it would give New Orleans a short-yardage and goal-line power option that they lacked last season.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Washington Huskies RB Jonah Coleman scouting report
Continue reading...
Kamara turns 31 in July and is heading into his 10th season with a big contract. Fourth-year back Kendre Miller is extremely injury-prone and therefore can't be depended on, and 2025 sixth round choice Devin Neal is somewhat unproven. With those backfield issues, it would not be at all surprising if the Saints eyed up a back such as Coleman in the middle rounds to be a future complement to Etienne.
Jonah Coleman bio
- Position: Running back
- College: Washington Huskies
- Height: 5-feet, 8 inches
- Weight: 220 pounds
A graduate of Lincoln High School in California, where former Saints wideout Brandin Cooks was an alumni, Coleman started his collegiate career with the Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12. He'd have 372 rushing yards and 4 scores as a freshman in 2022. The following year, he'd lead Arizona with 871 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. He'd follow coach Jedd Fisch to the Washington Huskies after that season.
In 2024 under Fisch at Washington, Coleman would lead the squad with 1,053 rushing yards and 10 scores while earning 3rd Team All-Big Ten honors. His statistical production dipped a bit in 2025, but Coleman still led the team with 758 rushing yards and scored 17 total touchdowns, a number that led the Big Ten and was fifth across the NCAA.
Strengths
- Compact build with powerful frame
- Consistently productive between tackles
- Shows good patience to let blocks develop
- Possesses the agility to slide past initial tacklers
- Decent vision for lane openings
- Solid in blitz pickup
Weaknesses
- Doesn't show great burst to the second level
- Hasn't always shown the power expected for his size
- Needs to hit the hole faster
- Must maintain balance better through contact for extra yardage
- Overall play speed needs to be faster
Jonah Coleman 2026 draft outlook
A power back with a nose for the goal line, Coleman could be drafted as early as the second day but projects as an early third day selection. He provides immediate value as a short yardage back, but needs to show that he can produce outside the tackles and improve his receiving ability. It's those two factors that might prevent him from going higher, but his power that could convince a run-heavy team short on backs to grab him in the third or even second round.
New Orleans had only 9 rushing scores in 2025, among the fewest in the NFL. Adding Travis Etienne will help the overall offense tremendously, but doesn't give the team more needed power between the tackles. Drafting a player like Jonah Coleman in Day 3 likely wouldn't take many snaps from Etienne or Alvin Kamara between the 20s. However, it would give New Orleans a short-yardage and goal-line power option that they lacked last season.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Washington Huskies RB Jonah Coleman scouting report
Continue reading...
