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ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 06: Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton listens as new Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton fields questions from the media during a press conference at UCHealth Training Center on February 06, 2023 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos are doing extensive homework at running back during NFL Combine week.
According to Denver Post reporter Luca Evans, the Broncos held formal meetings at the NFL Combine with three prospects: Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Washington’s Jonah Coleman and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson.
Those meetings signal legitimate draft interest as Denver evaluates how to reshape its backfield heading into 2026.
Luca Evans
Per source, #Broncos had formal meetings with a few RBs yesterday at combine:
–Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price –Washington’s Jonah Coleman –Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson
Price’s stock will be really interesting. Could rise up boards if teams think he can be 3-down back.
With J.K. Dobbins’ future still up in the air, the Broncos have multiple directions they could take. If he does not come back, Denver could pivot to a veteran option in free agency or invest in a rookie with long-term upside.
Price is the name generating the most intrigue.
Evans noted that “Price’s stock will be really interesting. Could rise up boards if teams think he can be three-down back.” That sentiment has been echoed by several evaluators throughout the week in Indianapolis.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently discussed Price as a potential fit in Denver and did not hold back.
“I think he can be a No. 1 back. If he was playing anywhere else, he would have been. He just happened to be playing with Jeremiyah Love,” Jeremiah said. “He’s someone that I think has a chance to be a three-down, complete back, which would be a great pairing with RJ Harvey for that group.”
Jadarian Price Emerging as Serious Option for Broncos
Price spent much of his Notre Dame career in the shadow of Jeremiyah Love, who is expected to be a top 10 pick and the first RB off the board in this year’s draft.
Still, Price averaged 6.0 yards per carry over three seasons and finished with 1,692 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. The efficiency stands out even if the raw volume does not.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Price to former Broncos back Javonte Williams. He cited his vision, balance and ability to contribute in the passing game.
Price reportedly has legitimate 4.4 speed and the ability to create explosive plays when he finds space. His biggest developmental area is pass protection, but scouts believe refinement there could unlock true three down value.
If Denver believes he can handle a complete workload, using early draft capital on him would not be a surprise.
Coleman and Johnson Emerge as Broncos Draft Options
The Broncos’ formal meetings with Coleman and Johnson show they are looking at a wide range of options at running back.
Coleman projects as a dependable three down backup. He was a team captain with strong ball security, losing just one fumble in four seasons.
Coleman carried the ball 552 times for 3,054 yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt over 50 games at Washington. He finished with 3,981 total yards and 37 touchdowns and put the ball on the ground only twice in his career.
Johnson logged 458 carries for 2,460 yards and 15 rushing scores, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in 40 games. He totaled 3,201 yards from scrimmage with 20 touchdowns and showed major explosiveness throughout his Nebraska career.
Though he lacks elite size and power, his north-south style and motor could fit a gap scheme system.
Whether Denver ultimately signs a veteran or not in free agency, the combine meetings make one thing clear. The Broncos are seriously evaluating multiple running back options in this draft class, and their backfield could look very different next season.