Mile High Report
Rookie running back R.J. Harvey will be a big part of the Broncos offense.
Last season, the Denver Broncos' leading rusher was Javonte Williams with just 513 yards on the ground. Due to these struggles, the team made improving their run game a priority this past offseason. It became even more of a priority after they allowed Williams to hit free agency, where he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite Williams leaving the team and their struggles in the run game, the team decided not to sign a back during free agency. That meant the team would look towards the draft to find their new starting running back.
It was no secret that the Broncos would draft a back; it was just a matter of when. Many assumed they would select one in the first round, but they would go on to draft Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with their 20th overall selection. On day two of the draft, they would go get their running back. With their 60th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected UCF running back R.J. Harvey.
Harvey played a total of four seasons at UCF and is coming off back-to-back productive seasons for them. During his four seasons, he appeared in 41 games and had 579 carries for 3,792 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and had 43 rushing touchdowns while also having 61 receptions for 720 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. This past season, he appeared in 12 games and had 232 carries for 1,577 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and 22 rushing touchdowns while having 20 receptions for 267 yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns.
Now, he joins a Broncos backfield where he is expected to take on a major role in their offense right away. He is an explosive back who has a chance to take it to the house whenever he touches the ball and is expected to have a key role in the passing game as well. Look for Harvey to fill the Alvin Kamara/Darren Sproles role in Sean Payton’s offense moving forward.
Harvey will be the Broncos' starting running back this upcoming season and a key member of the offense.
We will see Harvey featured in the run game and the passing game. He is a home run threat whenever he has the ball in his hands, and we know how Sean Payton loves to utilize his backs in the passing game. He’ll likely share the backfield with a between-the-tackles guy like Audric Estime, J.K. Dobbins, or whoever, but will likely lead all backs with touches.
During their press...
