The conversation around the Offensive Rookie of the Year award has quickly shifted toward two backfield newcomers who could reshape their teams' rushing attacks. Both players entered the league with impressive college résumés, but their paths to meaningful snaps differ markedly.
Jonah Coleman, a 220‑pound power runner drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, brings a strong college track record that includes an over‑89 PFSN CFB RB impact rating in 2024. He fumbled only once in 552 career carries, suggesting reliable ball security, and he will compete for a starting role on a Broncos offense that returns all five offensive line starters from the previous season.
Denver’s continuity along the line creates a fertile environment for a rookie to thrive, and early indications suggest the coaching staff views Coleman as a legitimate threat to seize the primary ball‑carrying duties. His size and production have already drawn praise from analysts who see him as a potential catalyst for a revitalized ground game.
A Tale of Two Backfields
Kaelon Black, selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the same draft, arrives on a team where the health and workload of star running back Christian McCaffrey will be pivotal. McCaffrey, who played all 17 games in 2025 and logged a league‑leading 413 touches, has battled injuries in three of the past six seasons, raising questions about his durability.
Should McCaffrey miss time, Black could inherit a substantial share of carries. In 2024, Jordan Mason filled in for McCaffrey and posted a 5.2‑yard average per carry while gaining 65.8 rushing yards per game, illustrating the type of production the 49ers might expect from Black if given the opportunity.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has publicly expressed a desire to lighten McCaffrey’s workload in 2026, a move that could open the door for Black to demonstrate his capabilities on a larger stage. Adding another layer to the competition, a recent internal poll (Cam Mellor scored the round 3‑2 in favor of Coleman) indicates that some insiders already lean toward Coleman as the more immediate impact player.
Both rookies embody different narratives: Coleman’s chance to become an immediate starter in Denver versus Black’s potential to step into a high‑profile role only if the 49ers’ lead back is sidelined. How each handles the transition from college to the NFL will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and the league’s award committees.