NFL analyst believes two key moves made by the Broncos this offseason could determine how much they will improve in 2025

The Denver Broncos have received a lot of praise for their work during the 2025 offseason.

They have built their defense to have the potential to be the best in the league, and have also surrounded second-year quarterback Bo Nix with more talent to work with.

Tight end Evan Engram and receiver Pat Bryant will bolster the passing game, and running backs RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins will lead Denver's revamped backfield. According to offseason observations from Nick Kosmider of The Athletic, the latter could determine exactly how much the Broncos' offense will improve in 2025.

From Nick Kosmider: "The Broncos will have an entirely different backfield in 2025 and training camp will offer an intriguing battle for snaps. Denver drafted RJ Harvey in the second round and the rookie showcased good hands and crisp route-running ability during the offseason program. Just before minicamp ended, Denver also signed JK Dobbins to give the room a productive veteran presence it previously didn’t have. Those two should lead the charge to replace Javonte Williams as the team’s leading rusher, but just how much of an upgrade one or both players can become will go a long way toward determining Denver’s offensive ceiling in its second season with quarterback Bo Nix."

No matter how talented a passing attack is, defenses can find a way to slow it down if it isn't complemented by a rushing game good that's at least respectful. The veteran Dobbins has proven that he is very productive when healthy, owning a 5.2 yards per carry average throughout his four-year NFL career.

The Broncos believe that Harvey can be a three-down workhorse RB who makes an impact not just as a rusher, but also as a receiver. During his senior season at the University of Central Florida in 2024, he racked up 1,577 yards on 232 carries and a whopping 22 touchdowns.

Denver ranked right in the middle of the league in rushing last season at 16th overall, but came in at 21st in yards per carry average and 23rd in rushing TDs. If it can make a significant jump in both of those categories in 2025, the Broncos' offense will be better balanced and it will open things up for Nix down the field.