29 undisputable facts and 1 rumor about the broncos backfield

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JK Dobbins earned the highest PFF rush grade (80) last year since his rookie year (82). Dobbins has a serious injury history: torn ACL/LCL/meniscus, torn Achilles, Lisfranc. Dobbins has never played a full NFL season. Dobbins was awarded with his highest paycheck of his career via a 2 year, $16m deal this past offseason. It functions practically as a 1 year pact worth $8m guaranteed. His deal contains no guarantees for the 2027 season. Dobbins gave Sean Payton his first 100 yards in a game rusher last year while in Denver. Payton specifically cited Dobbins leadership traits as a bonus (lagniappe). During the 2025 season with the Broncos, he caught 11 passes for 37 yards in 10 games. During his career (30 starts over 6 seasons) he has collected 367 receiving yards. RJ Harvey joins Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara as Sean Payton's premium draft selections at running back (day 2 or better). As rookies, that group touched the ball on average 13 times a game (Bush 15.2 touches/game, Ingram 13.3, Kamara 12.5, Harvey 11.3). Harvey had 193 touches total, but 61% came in the 7 games after Dobbins got hurt. Harvey led his rookie class with touchdowns (7 rush/5 receiving). Harvey outscored Dobbins throughout week 10 when he went down again. Harvey entered the league old for a running back at age 24, three years remain on his rookie deal. Harvey averaging 3.7 yards-per-carry as a rookie. Harvey played quarterback in high school and college, transitioned to running back late in his career. Sean Payton previously explained he expected Harvey to contend for the "Joker" role in his offense. Harvey finished 4th in receptions and 5th in receiving yards on the Broncos team. Jonah Coleman (5'8-9, 220-228) was drafted in the 4th round. He finished his college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 174 missed tackles forced. Coleman had only 1 fumble on 672 career touches in college. He had 31 receptions, 354 yards, 2 TDs in his final year a Washington. Coleman had just 1 drop on 123 career targets. Coleman attended the draft but did not participate in major tests like the 40 yard dash. The last fourth round running back drafted by Sean Payton was Audric Estime. The 4th round runner he drafted prior to that was Antonio Pittman. Sean Payton compared Coleman to J.K. Dobbins, praising the Washington running back's tough, physical running style. Rumor has it Sean Payton likes to refer to Coleman as "Daddy's Little Meatball." submitted by /u/MikeDFootball [link] [comments]