Even with Josh Jacobs set to return, MarShawn Lloyd getting another chance to prove his worth, and Chris Brooks re-signing on a two-year deal, running back is a sneaky need for the Green Bay Packers. If they opt to swing big in the draft and use an earlier pick at the position, Washington’s Jonah Coleman checks all sorts of boxes.
Green Bay has rarely brought in players with character questions. Every team would prefer to operate this way, but the Packers have practiced it almost religiously. Being a high-quality human is almost as important as being a high-quality player.
Coleman was a team captain at Washington, and head coach Jedd Fisch constantly praised his leadership and ability to rally teammates. Some might roll their eyes at the value of leadership qualities, but every locker room needs a Jonah Coleman.
From Fisch, last September:
I think Jonah has really jumped when we got to Washington. He’s thrived academically. He’s thrived in being a known commodity in Seattle. His maturity level has completely flipped. We had him talk to the Board of Regents about the importance of athletics. I don’t think I would have guessed that four years ago.
With Coleman, there is no facade. He’s as real as it gets, according to Fisch.
He was always so polite to Amber [Fisch’s wife] and the girls that the girls kind of fell for Jonah early with just his way of going about things. I don’t think there’s ever been a birthday, a Mother’s Day, a holiday that he hasn’t reached out to directly to the girls and Amber. He’s just a such a warm kid with an edge. There’s such a genuineness to him.
Character matters, but so does performance on the field. Coleman has been as reliable as anybody could hope.
A true three-down back with the Huskies, Coleman could be an every-down back if he reaches his ceiling in the NFL. For Green Bay specifically, two things stand out. Coleman had a grand total of two fumbles in 551 career rushing attempts. That covers two years with Arizona and another two with Washington. Coleman protects the football as well as any college running back has in the last four years.
Secondly, Brooks re-signing with the Packers has a lot to do with his excellence as a pass-blocking running back. It’s something head coach Matt LaFleur constantly preaches. Coleman was not only damn good as a pass-blocking running back, but he’s also extremely aware of the importance of embracing that, as he noted at the combine.
You’re not going to play if you can’t pass [protect]. Can’t play if you ain’t going to protect the quarterback. I’m paying him $100 million and you getting paid $2 million. Who’s more important? And that’s part of being selfless. You have to be wanting to pick up pass pro. … There’s no technique. There’s technique, but at the end of the day, it’s a dog fight. … You have to bring that mentality in there that I’m going to kick your butt and protect my $100 million quarterback.
That’s music to Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst’s ears.
Coleman has also looked the part of a good receiving back when needed. In four years at the college level, he racked up 87 receptions for 838 yards and three touchdowns. If you want versatility at the running back position, Coleman has that covered.
Of course, there is no perfect prospect. Coleman has lacked top-end speed and the ability to show breakaway speed, as noted by PFF.
At just 5’9”, his stride length is shorter and limits his overall top gear and breakaway speed, but that stockier build also aids his contact balance. He’s also a good pass catcher and pass protector. The biggest knock on him will be his speed, as both his top speed and acceleration appear to be well below NFL averages.
If you want to play running back in Green Bay, you need to protect the rock, have some capability to pass block, and possess a certain level of character. Check, check, and check. Coleman could be selected as early as Round 2, or he could fall into Round 4. If nobody selects him in the second round, he will be an awfully tempting option for Green Bay.