Should you draft Jonah Coleman or Emmett Johnson in your dynasty fantasy football rookie draft? We discuss the decision!
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Below, we analyze whether Jonah Coleman or Emmett Johnson is the better value pick in dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts. You can see where they are ranked in the FlurrySports dynasty fantasy football rookie rankings here!
Jonah Coleman Fantasy Football Outlook
Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, Jonah Coleman was one of the sneakier options for upcoming rookie dynasty drafts. He showed some flashes at Washington and could have been a sleeper in a rookie draft class that was lacking talent. Instead, like seemingly every other skill position player in the draft, he went to a situation about as appealing as the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are for rookie quarterbacks.
The role Coleman will have with the Denver Broncos is about as clear as water from Flint, Michigan. The Broncos just took RJ Harvey in the second round last year and still have JK Dobbins under contract for the next two years. Looking at Dobbins’ contract, it appears there is little reason for the Broncos to cut him loose early with how it’s structured. (Editor’s note: JK Dobbins’ contract is essentially a one-year deal, with the Broncos eating a $2M dead cap next season and saving $8M)
All that leads to Coleman, at best, being running back 2A in this backfield, but more likely being the third option. While he could find a role in the red zone, even that role would severely limit his upside as touchdown dependent. Given the landing spot, Coleman’s fantasy football outlook took quite the hit in the draft.
Emmett Johnson Fantasy Football Outlook
Usually, when you look at quality fantasy football running backs, you’re looking for players who will either start right away or could quickly outwork and outplay the starter and steal his spot. Unfortunately, neither of those situations is the case with Nebraska product Emmett Johnson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round. While his possible value did take a hit due to his situation, it isn’t nearly as bad as Coleman’s.
The Kansas City Chiefs were busier this offseason than a florist on Mother’s Day when it came to their backfield. Isiah Pacheco left and signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions, and the team signed Kenneth Walker III, fresh off a Super Bowl LX victory with the Seattle Seahawks that saw him win Super Bowl MVP honors. It’s pretty clear that the Chiefs are investing in Walker, given the $45 million they’re giving him over three years, but behind him, there isn’t much talent-wise. Emmett Johnson will step into a room with Emari Demercado and Brashard Smith and will likely win the job of RB2 behind Walker, given the next-best option, Demercado, can’t be trusted to even walk into the end zone without fumbling.
While that may seem like a giant stone in Johnson’s path, it’s important to remember that Walker has had more than his fair share of durability issues during his short NFL career. Last year was the only season in which Walker played all 17 games, playing just 26 over the previous two years. It’s impossible to predict injuries, and I’m not entertaining the idea that he’ll snap like a twig and be out for the year in Week 1, but it would also be naive to believe Johnson doesn’t have at least a small role right off the bat.
Should I Draft Jonah Coleman or Emmett Johnson in Dynasty Fantasy Football Drafts?
For two players that have similar average draft positions (ADPs), the value for these two players couldn’t be more different. I’m not here to say Coleman has no value, but his route to any substantial value is severely limited for at least the next two years. Meanwhile, there are plenty of scenarios that could see Johnson’s value skyrocket from the get-go.
Both short-term and long-term, Emmett Johnson is the running back who should be drafted over Jonah Coleman in every dynasty fantasy football draft where common sense holds value.
