Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey is continuing to gain attention around the league as one of the better rookies in the league. A recent article by Gennaro Filice lists Harvey on his 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team. He stated in his passage:
He weighs 205 pounds, but his thighs appear to account for at least 100 of them. This helps explain the 5-foot-8 back’s exceptional lateral agility and burst, traits that many compare him to last year’s top rookie rusher, Bucky Irving. Running behind a premium offensive line and for an elite play-caller, Harvey has the opportunity to be a fantasy league winner in Year 1. Denver has a crowded running back room, especially after the free-agent signing of J.K. Dobbins, but that’s nothing new for Sean Payton. The savvy schemer consistently finds ways to get the ball to his best players, and I think Harvey could be one of those on an offense I’m extremely high on.
Harvey Has Immediate Role
Despite being a second-round pick, Harvey has shown zero hesitation stepping into an NFL backfield. His college pedigree which was marked by explosive speed and reliable hands out of the backfield seems to have carried over smoothly. Coaches have praised his quick adjustment to pro-level schemes and his knack for hitting the correct reads without hesitation.
“Harvey — [he] was kind of our pet cat throughout the process,” Broncos general manager George Paton said. “His running style, he’s dynamic, really good vision, really good instincts, really good contact balance, highly explosive. We thought maybe he had the best vision in the draft.”
Harvey has his low center of gravity and agility combined with strong conditioning that gives him staying power on a fast-paced NFL field. He is confident that he can do everything the Broncos need and more out of the backfield.
“I feel I can do it all,” Harvey said. “I can catch the ball out of the backfield, I can run it in space, and I’m ready to just showcase all my skills. I’m excited.”
Broncos Have a Deep Running Back Room
Denver’s backfield competition is heating up. J.K. Dobbins brings veteran chops, Harvey offers youth and explosiveness, Audric Estimé adds toughness, and depth players provide competition. With so much talent and positional overlap, training camp will truly decide how Sean Payton and the Broncos navigate who thrives and who fits into the rotation.
All players can be the feature back on any team the as each player brings a unique blend of running and other skill sets.
Many consider Harvey to have the edge because of how high he was drafted. It should be a good year for all the running backs as they will have the chance to run behind one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. Denver should have one of the better offenses in the league and the running game will be a huge part of the success.
