On Saturday of the 2026 NFL combine, the running backs and wide receivers are two of the position groups going through the on-field drills. What’s the level of need at these positions for the Indianapolis Colts, and who are some prospects to keep your eyes on?
Let’s start with the level of need at each of those positions for the Colts.
At running back, the Colts have Jonathan Taylor leading the way, but bolstering the competition on the depth chart behind him should be on the to-do list. The only other running backs under contract currently are DJ Giddens, who was often inactive during the second half of last season, and Ulysses Bentley.
Then, at wide receiver, the need here depends on what happens with Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman. Pierce is a free agent, but all signs point to the Colts working to bring him back.
Pittman, meanwhile, could be a cut candidate, with the Colts saving $24 million in salary cap space if the team moved on from him. Will Indianapolis release him or try to rework his deal? If the Colts are without Pittman, then adding to the receiver position becomes a greater priority.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Coleman is another back with experience in the passing game, totaling 109 targets in his four college seasons. He averaged a hefty 9.4 yards per catch as well.
As a ball carrier, Coleman averaged 5.5 yards per attempt, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2024. He’s also taken care of the football well in his career, with only two lost fumbles.
Not to be overlooked either, but Coleman graded out well in pass protection, according to PFF’s metrics.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Listed at 6-0, 204 pounds, most of Bernard’s snaps came lined up outside, but he has his share of experience lining up in the slot as well. For two seasons, he was a big part of the Alabama offense, totaling 175 targets, including 102 this past year.
Bernard caught 63% of those passes in 2025 for 862 yards with seven touchdowns. He was quite good with the ball in his hands, averaging 6.2 yards after the catch, according to PFF.
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Singleton is listed at 6-0, 224 pounds, and is a very experienced back with 625 career carries. He’s also averaged an impressive 5.5 yards per attempt with 45 rushing touchdowns.
Singleton also has 128 career targets, and that ability to make plays in the passing game from the running back position can help further open up Shane Steichen’s offense.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 running back, wide receiver draft prospects for Colts at NFL combine
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
