Sean Payton may be going back to the future with a Broncos running back duo that could be a problem for years to come
The Denver Broncos have the makings of what could be a three-headed monster in the backfield in 2026. But what if there is a duo that emerges, similar to what head coach Sean Payton had during his time with the New Orleans Saints?
The Denver Broncos running back room is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating position groups in the NFL heading into 2026. Between J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman, the Broncos may have assembled the kind of three-headed monster that Sean Payton has been building toward since arriving in Denver. And if you connect the dots between Payton’s history and his current personnel, there’s a real case to be made that we’re about to see the “boom and zoom” concept reborn in the Mile High City.
Jonah Coleman Facts
- 4th round selection, pick 108 overall.
- Played college football at the University of Arizona and Washington.
- Rushed for over 3,ooo yards and 34 touchdowns in college.
What is boom and zoom?
For those unfamiliar, “boom and zoom” was the term used to describe the Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara tandem in New Orleans when Payton was the Saints’ head coach. That backfield pairing was one of the most dynamic in football, and the way the current Broncos roster is constructed, a similar workload split between Dobbins and Coleman could be on the horizon.
Dobbins remains the bell cow, but for how long?
The truth is, Dobbins has proven he can be a lead back when healthy. The problem, of course, is that “when healthy” caveat. His injury history is well-documented at this point, and while he was Denver’s primary ball carrier during healthy stretches, relying on him for a full 17-game workload is a gamble, even if Denver re-signed him this offseason. That reality makes Coleman’s arrival all the more significant.
Coleman is being underestimated
Jonah Coleman was widely regarded as the second-best running back in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and yet the conversation around his projected role in Denver feels muted. I believe Coleman is severely underestimated in terms of what he’s going to contribute to this offense as a rookie. Payton has never been shy about deploying multiple backs in meaningful roles, and Coleman’s skill set fits the mold of a player who could see significant touches from Day 1.
On top of that, you can’t ignore what Davis Webb and the offensive staff are building schematically. Payton’s offenses have always maximized the running back position, and having three viable options gives Denver the kind of flexibility that most teams simply don’t have.
RJ Harvey’s emergence adds another layer
Then there’s RJ Harvey, who burst onto the scene during the 2025 season and proved he belongs in an NFL backfield. Harvey’s emergence gives the Broncos a legitimate three-back rotation, which could keep all three players fresh throughout the season and reduce the wear on Dobbins in particular.
The bottom line is this: if Payton can replicate even a version of what he had with Ingram and Kamara, the Broncos’ rushing attack could take a significant leap. Coleman has the talent to be the Kamara-type piece in that equation, and Dobbins has the downhill running style to fill the Ingram role. Harvey provides valuable depth and insurance.
Denver’s backfield might be the most intriguing in the AFC West, and Coleman could be the rookie who ties it all together.