Mile High Report
Taking a look at the hopefully, new and improved Broncos running back room as we near the start of training camp.
One of the top priorities for the Denver Broncos this past offseason was to improve their running game. Former second-round pick Javonte Williams was coming off back-to-back sluggish and poor seasons after coming back from a major knee injury and left via free agency, and signed with the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime had their struggles as well and left the Broncos with a massive hole in their offense.
Well, they addressed this need in the second round of the draft when they selected UCF running back R.J. Harvey with their 60th overall selection. He is an explosive back who figures to take the Alvin Kamara role in Sean Payton’s offense. Then, the Broncos went out and signed former Chargers and Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins. The veteran back is coming off a productive year for the Chargers and will split time with Harvey in the Broncos' backfield.
These two figure to be the main two backs in the Broncos backfield, but the rest of the backs, including McLaughlin, Estime, Badie, and Watson, will all be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. Let’s take a look at the Broncos’ running backs and their roles, expectations, and chances of making the team as we approach the start of training camp.
R.J. Harvey - Starter
Explosive rookie running back R.J. Harvey is expected to have a big and key role in the Broncos' offense this upcoming season. He is an explosive runner who broke off multiple long runs in college, but will also be used in the passing game. He was not used in the passing game much in college, but Sean Payton believes he has the talent to flourish in that role with the Broncos. As we know, Payton loves to utilize his running backs in the passing game, and Harvey has the speed and explosive ability to be a weapon in space.
He is going to split time with Dobbins, who is more of your short-yardage and third-down guy, but will still see plenty of touches throughout the game for the Broncos. I believe Harvey is going to be an impact player for the Broncos right away and give them a much-needed big-play threat on the ground and in the passing game.
J.K. Dobbins - Starter
Earlier this month, the Broncos signed veteran running back J.K. Dobbins. The former Chargers running back is coming off a very productive 2024 season and instantly improves the Broncos' running back room. While Harvey fills that Alvin Kamara role, look for Dobbins to fill that Mark Ingram role in Sean Payton’s offense. He will likely see most of the short-yardage and goal-line work while likely coming in on third downs as a pass blocker.
This is a solid signing by the Broncos and one that raises the floor of their running back...
