Troy Renck: Watching the offense without J.K. Dobbins last season, it was clear the Broncos’ brass knew what was required: Go to Settings-General-Software Update. The draft brought Washington star Jonah Coleman, whose legs look like Quadzilla and his brain brings uncommon football knowledge. But it is too early to give up on RJ Harvey as the primary backup? He scored 12 touchdowns as a rookie, and was a weapon in the passing game. The Broncos don’t figure to have any starting position battles of note, but few backup jobs will demand more attention. So who do you think has a bigger impact next season: Harvey or Coleman?
Luca Բ:Well, one reality became abundantly clear from watching Broncos practices through OTAs and minicamp: Coleman is going to play right away. There’s a reason Denver drafted him in the fourth round, stemming from a longtime trust and friendship between Washington head coach Jedd Fisch and Broncos general manager George Paton. And Sean Payton should love Coleman, who doesn’t fumble, doesn’t drop passes and should instantly prove an upgrade from Tyler Badie’s lack of third-down juice last season. Harvey has faded considerably in fan discussion for some reason, but hasn’t faded whatsoever from the Broncos’ plans. He led all NFL rookies in touchdowns last season, for crying out loud. Coleman could just take some difficult touches off Harvey’s plate if (and likely when) Dobbins misses time.
Renck: Coleman is built like Dobbins. He runs like Dobbins. This is not an opinion, but the words of the Broncos after they drafted him. Impact is a vague word, though, don’t you think? I will take advantage of the elasticity in my prediction. Coleman will become a training camp darling and finish second behind Dobbins in rushing yards this season. How does 550 and five touchdowns sound for a prospect who also seems capable in pass protection? Does that mean Harvey blends into the bench? Not exactly. The Broncos had a joker last season; it just wasn’t tight end Evan Engram. You watch the film, Luca, and know it was Harvey.
Բ:Yes. Absolutely. Harvey is that guy with a truly special ability to simply bounce off contact in the open field. But as long as we’re talking pass-catching ability, don’t rule Coleman out from a 30-to-40-catch rookie season. Harvey didn’t have explosive receiving numbers in college, after all, and Coleman just finished with 31 grabs for 354 yards in 12 games in his final season at Washington. He caught a heap of passes through OTAs and minicamp, and don’t forget Badie had 31 targets in just 192 offensive snaps last season. Plus, Payton’s offenses — think Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles — have consistently been able to field two running backs as pass-catchers out of the backfield. Coleman could have a sizable contribution as a receiver and more of an impact on short-yardage carries this season than Harvey.
Renck: Harvey did not lack talent. He lacked direction. Too often, he ran east and west instead of north and south. He now understands what is required. The days of bouncing runs outside at the first sign of trouble are over. But as Harvey comes off labrum surgery, it presents an opportunity for Coleman to become Dobbins’ backup on first and second downs. That leaves third for Harvey. His work out of the backfield cannot be dismissed. He caught 47 passes for 356 yards, five touchdowns and 18 first downs. It is going to take three backs for the Broncos’ offense to reach its potential under first-time play caller Davis Webb. At season’s end, it will feel like Coleman was a bigger contributor, but Denver requires Harvey to shine as a receiver to become a Super Bowl contender.
ܳ:I actually disagree with you that Coleman will spell Dobbins on first and second downs, although I think there will certainly be plenty of that. In my mind, third downs are now Coleman Central in Denver. Bo Nix threw 93 passes last season in third-down situations facing seven yards to go or more, and a majority of those reps will likely go to Coleman for his abilities in pass protection. Go watch Coleman’s on Sonny Styles for proof. Fantasy-wise, Harvey is the much safer bet for raw yardage and production. But in terms of sheer software updates — as you put it — Coleman’s addition can have a larger impact on taking Denver’s offense up another level.
