Washington RB Jonah Coleman Boosted His Stock At The NFL Combine With One Simple Answer

Washington running back Jonah Coleman improved his draft stock at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine – without running a single drill.

Coleman didn’t participate in athletic testing. That’s probably smart, considering one of his bigger concerns is his speed; he’s expected to clock a 40-yard dash somewhere in the 4.5-second range, maybe slower.

At 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, he’s projected as a mid-round selection after rushing for 3,054 yards and 34 touchdowns across four seasons at Arizona and Washington under Jedd Fisch.

Coleman’s Pass Protection Answer Turns Heads

So how did he boost his stock without working out? He nailed the interviews.

The Stockton, California native caught 31 passes for 354 yards and two scores last season. But it’s his work away from the stat sheet that’s getting NFL teams excited — specifically his pass blocking and willingness to protect quarterback Demond Williams Jr.

That versatility as both a receiver and blocker has scouts viewing Coleman as a valuable rotational back at the next level.

During combine interviews, he was asked why he puts such an emphasis on blocking. His answer was perfect.

@sports.illustrated Jonah Coleman talked about why pass protection is so important as a running back 💪 (via NFL Draft by Chat Sports/YouTube) #nfl #nfldraft #runningback ♬ original sound – Sports Illustrated

“You’re not gonna play if you can pass pro(tect), it’s simple. Can’t play if you ain’t gonna protect the quarterback. I’m paying him $100 million, you(‘re) getting paid $2M. Who’s more important? And that’s part of being selfless, part of the game.”

It might sound self-effacing, but that’s exactly what NFL coaches want to hear from a running back.

Plenty of mid and late-round picks become star runners. But even more carve out careers as rotational pieces brought in specifically to protect the quarterback on third down.

Coleman’s already shown he can do it on tape. If he backs up that mindset in the NFL, he’ll see the field early and often — and his coaches will love him for it.