ClutchPoints
The Denver Broncos are actively enhancing their offensive lineup around Bo Nix by bringing in veteran wide receiver Hakeem Butler, who had an impressive season in the UFL. Butler led the spring league in receiving yards and earned the Offensive Player of the Year award, providing head coach Sean Payton with another intriguing option in a crowded receiving corps.
Payton has made it clear that improving the ground game is a top priority for the Broncos in 2026. Last season’s loss in the AFC Championship Game highlighted the challenges that arise when the running game falters, and striking a balance between the run and pass has become crucial for the team.
The Broncos have approached the offseason with a mindset that they are on the brink of success. This is often the result when a young quarterback shows significant improvement, as the team reaches the AFC Championship Game, and the front office opts for aggressive moves rather than patience. However, the 2026 season will not be determined solely by the big-name acquisitions; Bo Nix will need more than just one star receiver, and Sean Payton will require more than just creative play designs.
For a team that was one game away from the Super Bowl, the lesser-known offensive players need to convert their potential into actual production. This is especially important given Denver’s two significant offensive questions: can the run game be made dependable, and can the receiving corps become more efficient instead of just deeper?
Two players stand out as sleeper breakout candidates who could help answer those questions:
Although RJ Harvey might not seem like a typical sleeper, since the Broncos used valuable draft capital to select him, he qualifies because the national focus on Denver’s offense has shifted toward Nix, Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and the overall passing-game improvements. Consequently, the most crucial offensive development may be overlooked: Harvey’s presence in the backfield.
The Broncos selected Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft after an outstanding final season at UCF, where he rushed for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, contributing to the receiving game as well. Denver highlighted his explosiveness in their official draft narrative, noting his FBS-best rate of carries that gained at least 10 yards in 2024.
Payton needs a running back who can do more than gain three yards on a carry, and he needs someone who can capitalize on defenses playing with lighter boxes, create big plays, and add energy to an offense that often relied too heavily on Nix to make plays.
Harvey can provide that spark. J.K. Dobbins brings veteran experience, and the Broncos’ backfield includes several players competing for roles. Last season, the Broncos struggled with that consistency, which made them easier to defend, particularly in adverse weather and late-game scenarios.
Harvey’s main advantage is his quickness. He can reach top speed rapidly, reads gaps effectively, and possesses the acceleration to turn a typical inside zone play into a significant gain, and this is...
