The Denver Broncos flipped the script on draft experts when they selected cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—a pick that many thought would be used to address pressing needs at running back or tight end. However, the Broncos didn’t wait long to fill their backfield, taking UCF’s RJ Harvey in the second round (No. 60 overall), and it’s turning out to be a better fit than anyone could have expected, regardless of draft position.
The latest proof came in an 18-15 win over the Houston Texans in Week 8. Harvey’s 27-yard touchdown reception made him the first rookie in Broncos history to catch a touchdown in three consecutive games. Leading the Broncos with five receptions for 51 yards against the Texans, Harvey played a key role as Denver rallied in the fourth quarter. This victory marked the Broncos’ sixth consecutive win, improving their record to 7-2.
After struggling with one of the NFL’s worst rushing attacks in 2024, the Broncos now boast one of the best, thanks to a dynamic one-two punch of RJ Harvey and veteran J.K. Dobbins. Although Harvey is still learning the ropes, his impact is undeniable. NFL Network’s Michael Florio commented on his official X account, “RJ Harvey does something insanely cool almost every time he touches the ball. His flaw? Sean Payton hardly lets him touch the ball.”
### Trio of Talented AFC West Rookie Running Backs
Harvey is part of a talented trio of rookie running backs in the AFC West, alongside first-round picks Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders and Omarion Hampton of the Los Angeles Chargers. Unlike Jeanty and Hampton, Harvey isn’t the featured back for the Broncos this season, but he leads the group with six total touchdowns and 371 yards of total offense.
Through Week 9, Harvey’s six touchdowns rank second among rookies, trailing only New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who has seven. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins leads Denver with 634 rushing yards and is on pace to become the first Broncos player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season since Phillip Lindsay in 2019.
### Broncos Overhaul Running Back Room Ahead of 2025
The Broncos didn’t attempt to retain last year’s starting running back Javonte Williams, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Williams’ departure marked the end of a nearly complete overhaul of Denver’s running back roster. Among those who left was 2024 seventh-round pick Audric Estime, who was cut by the Broncos on August 26 and has since spent time on the practice squads of the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.
While Dobbins has been a pleasant surprise on a one-year, $2.065 million contract, RJ Harvey looks to be the future of Denver’s backfield. He recently signed a four-year, $7.35 million rookie contract, solidifying his place as a key piece in the Broncos’ offensive plans moving forward.
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