The New York Giants are doubling down on their running game strategy in 2026. With the recent signing of fullback Patrick Ricard and giving the hefty Evan Neal a shot at right guard, they're building a formidable front.
Yet, what they might be missing is a true power back. Enter Washington’s Jonah Coleman, who could be the missing piece.
Standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds, Coleman is a powerhouse, running with the force of a bowling ball. While he might not break off long runs, he's a master at grinding out tough yards, often turning potential losses into gains with his relentless style.
The Giants already have a crowded backfield, but let’s dive into why Coleman might still find a spot.
Measurables and Strengths
Jonah Coleman is a compact and powerful running back, boasting a dense build that maximizes his natural leverage. His low center of gravity and impressive contact balance make him a nightmare for defenders.
He’s adept at making subtle moves to deflect tackles, often bouncing off defenders for additional yards. His ability to maintain balance through contact is remarkable, consistently pushing forward for extra yardage.
Coleman’s vision is another asset. He’s patient, allowing blocks to develop before making his move. His quick jump-cut ability lets him exploit cutback lanes effectively, making him a versatile runner who can adapt mid-play.
Not just a runner, Coleman shows promise as a receiver. Though his route tree at Washington was limited, he’s reliable in finding space as a check-down option, securing catches and turning upfield swiftly.
Areas for Improvement
Coleman’s primary limitation is his athleticism. While not a poor athlete, his explosiveness and top speed are limited. His vision is exceptional at the line of scrimmage but diminishes as he looks further downfield.
His short arms present challenges in both catching and pass protection. With a limited catch radius, quarterbacks need to be precise. In pass protection, his lack of length requires aggression to effectively engage defenders, as he struggles to maintain blocks without initiating contact.
Projection
Jonah Coleman is projected as a rotational back in a busy backfield. While his pass protection needs work and he isn’t a home run threat, his ability to consistently gain yards is invaluable. His power and balance make him difficult to stop, and his potential as a receiving threat adds another layer to his game.
Coleman’s build and play style could make him a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick, offering tremendous value for teams looking for a tough, reliable back who can wear down defenses and contribute in the passing game.