The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Washington running back Jonah Coleman plans on taking full advantage. Coleman recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Coleman also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his style as a running back, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Coleman better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Jonah Coleman: I was in a team meeting at Washington leading up to our bowl game. I was really excited when they announced I had been invited to the Senior Bowl. I found out a couple of my teammates were also going to the Senior Bowl. That made it so much better.
JM: That sounds like a special moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jonah Coleman: I always love to compete. I want to prove that I can show up and show out. I know that the best of the best go down to the Senior Bowl. I’m never going to shy away from that level of competition. I want to show everybody what I can do.
I’m blessed and honored to have the opportunity to go down to the Senior Bowl. I want to show that I’m one of the best running backs in this draft. I hear nothing but good things about the Senior Bowl. I’m ready to compete with the best. I want to take advantage of the opportunity.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jonah Coleman: I want to reinforce what they’ve already seen from me on tape. I’m not trying to be Superman or anything like that. I’m not going to step out of my game. I’m going to be myself.
JM: How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Jonah Coleman: I’m a great person and teammate first and foremost. I think I’m the ideal teammate. I always show up for my guys. I’m incredibly selfless. I’m somebody you’re going to want in your locker room.
I’m not afraid to call something out and hold teammates accountable when we’re not performing to the standard. I’m also very versatile. I can play all three downs. I’m ready to play a complete role. I can also play on special teams if necessary.
JM: You scored 15 rushing touchdowns in two seasons at Washington. What is it about your game that allows you to find the end zone so consistently?
Jonah Coleman: I played in a great system. I appreciated our coaching staff. We had a ton of coaches who coached in the NFL. They brought that mentality and a pro-ready scheme to our program. Playing in college for four years, I got better as time went by.
I got better every single year. I paid attention to the details and got really comfortable in our offense. I feel like once you hone in on the small details, the more productive you can be. I played a lot of football. My football IQ got better as a result.
I played around 50 games. I felt very experienced and prepared. You play that many games, you begin to adapt and get better. I perfected my craft. I took that very seriously in the offseason.
I kept my body right. I developed my bond with my teammates. It takes all of us doing our jobs for me to have success on the field. I definitely have to give a lot of credit to my teammates as well. I took advantage of my opportunities.
JM: How would you describe your running style?
Jonah Coleman: I can run through you. I can run over you. I can run around you. I’ve shown a ton of that on tape.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL running back, who would you choose and why? Anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Jonah Coleman: I would definitely choose Josh Jacobs. I see a lot of similarities in our running style. We’re both very physical. I love the way he breaks tackles. We both catch the ball really well.
I haven’t had a ton of opportunities to showcase how good of a receiving back I can be. I would definitely like to do that at the Senior Bowl. I love running routes. I can run routes and catch the ball. I’m excited to showcase that. I think scouts are going to be surprised by my receiving ability.
JM: We’re looking forward to seeing it. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jonah Coleman?
Jonah Coleman: I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m going in not knowing what to expect. I’m just going to take things day by day. I’m excited to live in the moment and enjoy the whole process.
I’m looking forward to every rep. Every rep is a new opportunity. I’m going to take things one play at a time. At the end of the week, we’ll be able to reflect on my performance. I’m just looking forward to competing and doing my best.