In the weeks leading up to the preseason, Payton faced questions about where rookies would stand on the depth chart. Rather than committing to a definitive ranking, he explained that creating a depth chart is a necessary phase of preseason practice, even if it doesn’t capture the full picture of a player’s readiness or potential. “I’m not ready for a depth chart, but I have to get a depth chart,” Payton said during the 2024 preseason. His point was clear: depth charts can be a tool, but they are not a final verdict on a player’s future role. It’s easy for underlined or highlighted rookies to be pushed to the back, he noted, not as a reflection of their talent, but as a function of the process. The goal, he emphasized, is to position players in a way that allows the team to evaluate them against real game situations and varied packages, rather than locking them into a single label too early.
As the Broncos progressed through training camp, one rookie who generated considerable buzz was Jonah Coleman, a running back who impressed many during practices. Despite that momentum, Coleman began preseason with a lower-than-expected ranking on the depth chart. This discrepancy underscored a familiar theme: the depth chart is a snapshot, not a prophecy. Payton’s approach helps manage expectations while still preserving a framework for competitive play and development. In other words, Coleman’s early position did not reflect a lack of talent or potential; it reflected a broader coaching strategy aimed at assessing a player’s adaptability, learning curve, and execution in various schemes.
By mid-camp, conversations around Coleman began to shift. The Broncos subsequently moved him up, and this change aligned with the team’s on-field assessments and game-planning needs. The updated depth chart placed Coleman as RB3, a spot that many analysts had anticipated given his performance in practices and preseason drills. This adjustment is a reminder that depth charts are dynamic in August and should be read as living documents—tools that help frame practice groups and situational reps rather than rigid declarations about a player’s ultimate role.
A recent social media post from a well-known Broncos analyst highlighted the development: Coleman’s ascent to RB3 was noted alongside other positioning details, such as Marvin Mims earning a starting role at wide receiver alongside established receivers. The tweet captured a broader picture of how the team was constructing its offense around a mix of young talent and veteran reliability. Yet, even with these adjustments, the overarching takeaway remains: players are evaluated in real-time, and their status on the depth chart can—and often does—change as they prove themselves in practice and in preseason opportunities.
This approach aligns with coaching philosophy that values long-term growth and preparation. Rookies are not simply entered into a static pecking order; they are given opportunities to learn, adjust, and demonstrate proficiency across multiple roles. For a running back like Coleman, this means being tested with different blocking schemes, different run reads, and pass-protection responsibilities. For a pass-catching back or a feature back, it involves reps in routes, receiving discipline, and offensive line dynamics. Payton’s method ensures that players are evaluated across a spectrum of situations, providing a more accurate gauge of how they might contribute during the regular season.
Fans and media often crave definitive answers about who will start and who will contribute immediately. However, the Broncos’ current strategy suggests a preference for patience and measured progression. By keeping depth charts fluid and reframing the purpose of preseason rankings, the team can better align practice reps with game-day plans and gradually increase a rookie’s workload as they gain comfort with the playbook and the speed of the NFL game.
Looking ahead, the expectation is that Coleman’s role will continue to evolve as he demonstrates consistency, reliability, and a willingness to pick up complex routes and blocking schemes. Meanwhile, the broader offense is expected to lean on a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans to create a balanced attack. The coaching staff’s focus on development, smart progression, and situational readiness could position the Broncos to maximize the impact of rookies while maintaining depth and resilience across the roster.
In sum, the Broncos’ stance on depth charts in August reflects a practical, player-centric approach. It acknowledges the preseason as a testing ground where performance and adaptability matter more than early labels. For Jonah Coleman and other rookies, the path to a meaningful role is paved through continued improvement, situational adaptability, and opportunities to showcase their talents when it counts. Fans should expect depth chart positions to shift as the season unfolds, with regular-season responsibilities earned through consistent performance rather than initial placement on a chart.
