Why Jonah Coleman Could Be the Answer to the Chiefs’ Running Back Conundrum
Let’s be honest-when it comes to the running back position, the Kansas City Chiefs haven’t exactly been rolling out the red carpet in recent years. Since hitting on Isiah Pacheco in the seventh round, their backfield additions have been more patchwork than powerhouse-Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and another seventh-rounder in Brashard Smith. It’s almost as if the ghost of the Clyde Edwards-Helaire pick still lingers in the front office’s decision-making room.
But here’s the thing: while the Chiefs have proven they can win big without investing heavily in the position-they’ve done it with late-round picks and castoffs-there’s a difference between not overpaying and flat-out ignoring the need for depth and talent. Right now, Kansas City’s running back room is arguably one of the least threatening in the league. Watch any given Sunday, and you’ll see four or five backs who would instantly be RB1 in Kansas City.
So, no, the Chiefs don’t need to throw a first-round pick or a massive free-agent contract at the problem. But there’s a wide gap between that and where they are now.
The last time they spent a Day 2 pick on a back? That was Kareem Hunt.
It might be time to revisit that strategy-and Washington’s Jonah Coleman could be just the kind of back who bridges that gap.
Jonah Coleman: A Compact Workhorse With Three-Down Potential
Vitals:
- Height/Weight: 5'9", 228 lbs
- Age: 22
- College: Washington (via Arizona)
- 2024-25 Production: 403 touches, 2,342 yards, 27 total touchdowns
Coleman isn’t a household name-yet. But he’s built like a tank and runs with the kind of balance and body control that keeps defenders guessing. He’s not a pure power back, nor is he a burner, but he brings a well-rounded skill set that could quietly thrive in Kansas City’s offense.
Let’s break down what makes him intriguing-and where the questions still linger.
What Coleman Brings to the Table
Contact Balance That Pops on Tape
Coleman runs low to the ground, and that compact frame makes him tough to bring down. He’s not bulldozing defenders like Derrick Henry, but he’s slippery in traffic and rarely goes down on first contact.
His ability to stay upright through hits and churn out extra yards is a consistent theme on film. He’s not looking for contact, but when it comes, he handles it with poise-and often wins.
What’s more, for a 228-pound back, he’s surprisingly nimble. His balance isn’t just about absorbing hits-it’s also about making guys miss in tight spaces. That’s a trait that translates well to the NFL, especially in a Chiefs offense that thrives on getting the ball to playmakers in space.
Short-Area Burst and Efficient Movement
Coleman’s acceleration is impressive. He doesn’t need a runway to hit top gear, and that quick-twitch ability lets him bounce runs outside or slip through creases before they close. There’s very little wasted motion in his game-he’s a north-south runner who gets upfield quickly, which fits well with how the Chiefs like to attack defenses.
Vision and Versatility in the Passing Game
One of Coleman’s most NFL-ready traits is his vision. Whether it’s zone or gap schemes, he reads blocks well and has the patience to let plays develop. That kind of feel for the game is what often separates college backs from pros.
He also brings value on third downs. With 87 receptions for over 800 yards in his college career, he’s more than capable as a pass-catcher.
He’s comfortable in the screen game, can leak out into the flat, and-maybe most importantly-is willing and able in pass protection. That last piece is crucial if you’re going to share a backfield with Patrick Mahomes.
Where the Questions Come In
Is He Special at Any One Thing?
Coleman is good at a lot of things, but is he great at any one? That’s the question scouts are asking.
His contact balance is strong, but it hasn’t translated into eye-popping missed tackle or yards-after-contact numbers. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, and he’s not the kind of back who’s going to consistently rip off 40-yard gains.
In short, he’s a jack-of-all-trades-but does he have a trump card?
Top-End Speed Is a Limiting Factor
Coleman can hit the hole fast, but he’s not a home-run threat. He had just 20 carries of 10+ yards in 2025, which is a bit underwhelming for a feature back.
Once he’s in the open field, defenders can catch him. That lack of long speed limits his ceiling as a game-breaking runner, especially in an offense that thrives on explosive plays.
Frame vs. Functional Power
At 5'9", 228 lbs, Coleman is built like a bowling ball. He’s been durable and productive, but there’s some concern about how that frame translates to the NFL.
He’s not overly tall or long, and without elite speed or power, you wonder if he’ll be able to consistently win against bigger, faster defenders. His short-area quickness helps, but if he can’t separate or break tackles consistently at the next level, his impact could be capped.
A Better Version of Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
There are shades of Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Coleman’s profile-compact build, strong balance, good pass-catching chops-but the key differences matter. Coleman is bigger and arguably more explosive in tight spaces.
CEH came out of a historically loaded LSU offense and rode that wave into the first round. Coleman, by contrast, has been quietly productive for four years, doing the dirty work without the benefit of a Joe Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase clearing the way.
That said, the Chiefs can’t afford a repeat of the CEH situation-drafting a back who lacks the traits to consistently win at the next level. They’ll need to determine whether Coleman’s well-rounded game is enough to offset his lack of elite traits.
Final Thoughts
Jonah Coleman isn’t going to wow anyone with a 4.3 forty or leap over defenders every week. But he’s a tough, savvy, well-rounded back who can handle all three downs, protect your quarterback, and move the chains. For a Chiefs team that doesn’t need a superstar at running back-but desperately needs more reliability and depth-he could be the right kind of upgrade.
Kansas City doesn’t have to break the bank or use a top-15 pick to improve its backfield. But they do need to stop treating the position like an afterthought. And if they’re looking for a steady, versatile back who can contribute right away, Jonah Coleman deserves a long look.