Jonah Coleman Could Be the Running Back Seattle Actually Needs

Look, I know I'm a homer. But the Seahawks should seriously consider drafting Washington's Jonah Coleman in this month's draft, and the facts back it up.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks have a problem at running back. Kenneth Walker III is gone (signed with Kansas City), and Zach Charbonnet is out multiple months with a torn ACL. That leaves George Holani, Emmanuel Wilson, Kenny McIntosh, Cam Akers, and Velus Jones Jr. as the current options. The cupboard is bare, and the team needs bodies.

Why Coleman Makes Sense Over the Other Names

With the 32nd overall pick, some projections have the Seahawks looking at Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. Price (5-foot-11, 203 pounds) has intriguing measurables: 674 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry, and 13 total touchdowns in 2025. But here's the thing,he wasn't even the best running back on his own roster. That distinction belonged to Jeremiyah Love, a top-10 lock.

Coleman is different. The 5-foot-9, 220-pound bowling ball combined for 1,811 rushing yards, 5.2 yards per carry, and 25 rushing touchdowns over two seasons at UW. He added 531 receiving yards and two more scores. Those were hard yards behind an unconvincing offensive line. Draft analyst Todd McShay called him exactly what he is: "a bowling ball" with light feet who runs with proper pad level and wears defenses down. McShay predicted Coleman will fall to the fourth round and become a starter at the next level.

The Complete Package

Coleman's résumé is what separates him. Beyond his ball-carrying ability, he's a plus pass protector (just 10 pressures and one sack in two seasons). He's reliable: zero fumbles and one total drop in his college career. He appeared in 25 of 26 games the last two seasons despite the position's brutal physical demands.

But here's the real kicker: Coleman already understands pro systems. "We ran an identical offense at Washington to many NFL teams," Coleman said after visiting the Seahawks. "The terminology was very similar." He's even said he could call out plays watching NFL games because the systems mirror what he ran in Seattle. That's not hyperbole,that's a genuine head start in an NFL offense.

Coleman graduated with a degree in education studies and a 3.93 GPA. He was one of 16 national finalists for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy. This is someone who brings intelligence, durability, and character to whatever team drafts him.

The Seahawks need depth at running back now. Coleman could be ready to contribute immediately.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.