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After trotting out one of the worst run games in 2024, it is hard for the Denver Broncos to get fans excited about that aspect of their game in 2025. Yet, with a strong performance in rookie minicamp and OTAs, RJ Harvey is doing just that.
The Broncos took Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, within an hour of trading back with the Detroit Lions. After taking Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round, Denver made Harvey its first of three selections on Day Two.
Harvey has been nothing but impressive since then, only making general manager George Paton more confident in his decision. The running back’s speed and agility impressed coaches and onlookers at the Broncos’ 2025 rookie minicamp, silencing early doubters for the time being.
While Harvey continues to gain widespread approval, not everyone was pleased with his early draft selection. Many did not like his advanced age, with the UCF alum turning 24 in February. Running back notoriously has the shortest average career length of any position in the NFL, causing many to believe that he will only contribute to a winning roster for a few years.
Regardless, Harvey’s speed, vision and tenacity made him the fifth running back taken off the board. The team’s investment in Harvey only furthered after the Broncos let Javonte Williams walk in free agency.
There is a lot to dissect about Harvey, and his career has yet to even officially begin. But so far, he has been everything the Broncos hoped for early in the 2025 offseason.
By spending an early Day Two pick on a 24-year-old rookie running back, the Broncos clearly believe in Harvey as an immediate starter. They have treated him as such in OTAs, and RJ Harvey has been up for the challenge.
Despite losing Williams, the Broncos still return Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Tyler Badie. None were very efficient in 2024, though Badie showed flashes in a minute sample size before suffering a frightening back injury. Yet, Denver chose not to sign a veteran in free agency, opting to find its long-term answer in the draft instead.
Since landing in the Mile High City, Harvey has impressed in every aspect. Not only is his speed and lateral quickness a sight for sore eyes, but his pass-catching out of the backfield turned heads. The Broncos reportedly deployed him as a route-runner in several passing plays, where Harvey showed off his quick feet and sticky hands.
RJ Harvey putting in work at Broncos OTAs pic.twitter.com/oif8C5lFfD
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) June 5, 2025
Despite the praise Harvey has received during the Broncos’ OTAs, Denver still hosted free agent J.K. Dobbins for a visit in early June. The move caused many to wonder if they still had faith in Harvey, but the team’s actions since Dobbins’ visit have only affirmed their confidence in the rookie.
After hosting Dobbins, Sean Payton said he [“likes”...
