Denver head coach Sean Payton gave Broncos fans and fantasy football owners a scare on Wednesday when the team released its first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. 

Rookie running back Jonah Coleman, who has generated significant buzz throughout training camp, was listed at No. 6 on the depth chart. The reaction from some fantasy owners was predictable panic. But there’s actually nothing to worry about.

Most Broncos fans already know the deal. This is a typical Payton move. He almost always lists rookies at the bottom of the first depth chart, regardless of where they actually stand on the roster. Fantasy football owners who haven’t been tracking Denver’s camp, however, saw Coleman buried at No. 6 and started freaking out.

Coleman has been a popular rookie draft pick this summer, especially in the later rounds. He’s in what appears to be a strong spot to become a useful fantasy asset. If starting running back J.K. Dobbins goes down, and he does have a history of missing time, Coleman would likely leapfrog RJ Harvey and get the bulk of the carries. That makes him a valuable handcuff to roster.

Sean Payton isn’t a fan of preseason depth charts

Payton, by the way, isn’t trying to send a message with the depth chart. He actually explained his philosophy on listing rookies last back in 2024, albeit begrudgingly. This is just what he does every year with the first depth chart release.

“I’m not ready for a depth chart, but I have to get a depth chart,” said Payton during 2024 preseason. “It’s easy to push the underlined players [rookies] to the back of the line and then make sure it’s kind of where we sit right now. That’s really it. No, it’s a good question but I’m not trying to send messages at all.”

Everyone who has been keeping up with training camp knows that Coleman is No. 3 on the Broncos’ running back depth chart. Harvey figures to serve as Denver’s third-down back and change-of-pace option, which keeps Coleman’s role secure as the primary backup to Dobbins.

There’s no reason to panic if you’re a fantasy football owner who drafted Coleman or a Broncos fan who wasn’t already aware of how Payton handles these initial depth charts. The placement means nothing. Coleman’s camp buzz is real, and his path to meaningful touches remains intact.