Speaking at the NFL Combine on Friday, University of Washington alum Jonah Coleman gave an answer that will certainly endear himself to NFL fans and front offices alike.

When talking about the importance of pass protection, the running back said:

"You're not going to play if you can't pass pro. Can't play if you ain't going to protect the quarterback. I'm paying him $100 million and you getting paid $2 million. Who's more important? And that's part of being selfless. You have to be wanting to pick up pass pro... There's no technique. There's technique, but at the end of the day, it's a dog fight... You have to bring that mentality in there that I'm going to kick your butt and protect my $100 million quarterback."

That's a great outlook for Coleman to have, as pass protection is often the most overlooked thing at the running back position. However, it's a critical skill for a back to possess, and something that drastically helps an offense find success.

A four-year standout at Arizona and Washington, he played in 50 games, amassing more than 3,000 yards rushing and 34 touchdowns. His 15 rushing touchdowns last season led the Big 10 and helped Washington to a 9-4 record and a win in the LA Bowl. He also had two receiving touchdowns in 2025, and his 17 total scores also led the Big 10.

He was a major figure in Washington's transition from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 in 2024, and he followed head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington after he also left Arizona.

The following came from Pro Football Focus:

At just 5-foot-9, his stride length is shorter and limits his overall top gear and breakaway speed, but that stockier build also aids his contact balance. He’s also a good pass catcher and pass protector. The biggest knock on him will be his speed, as both his top speed and acceleration appear to be well below NFL averages.

However, his elite zone-rushing grade over the past two years shows that once he builds momentum, his speed is good enough to find rushing lanes. He is also strong as an ox, evidenced by one career fumble on 672 career touches.

While the running back position has been devalued in recent draft years, there was a revival at the position in the 2025. Coleman could find himself getting selected in the first two days of the draft, which is rounds 1-3.

The following running backs were taken in the top two rounds in the 2025 Draft, just for a comparison on what Coleman can expect:

Ashton Jeanty, No. 6 (2025) - Raiders

Omarion Hampton, No. 22 (2025) - Chargers

Quinshon Judkins, 2nd round (2025) - Browns

TreyVeyon Henderson, 2nd round (2025) - Patriots

RJ Harvey, 2nd round (2025) - Broncos

For Huskies fans who want to see him land with the hometown Seahawks, it's possible, though unlikely.

Seattle will be without Zack Charbonnet for much of the season and could lose Kenneth Walker in free agency, so the positional need is there. However, the Hawks have only four picks as of now (32, 64, 96, 212) and likely have bigger needs at No. 32. If they wait until 64 or 96, Coleman could very well be gone.

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