The Denver Broncos have a new weapon in their offensive arsenal: RJ Harvey. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Harvey arrives in Denver after a standout college career at the University of Central Florida. His explosive playmaking and dynamic running style make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the Broncos’ latest draft class.

Who Is RJ Harvey?

RJ Harvey made waves in college football with his impressive numbers and electrifying runs. In 2024, he rushed for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, emerging as one of the most productive backs in the nation. Harvey’s skill set goes beyond ground production—he added 20 receptions, showcasing soft hands and versatility out of the backfield. Despite standing at 5'9" and 208 pounds, Harvey combines quickness, vision, and contact balance, traits that set him apart from other running backs in his draft class.

According to the Denver Broncos’ official announcement, General Manager George Paton described Harvey as "dynamic" and "highly explosive," praising his vision as possibly the best in the draft. Nearly a quarter of Harvey’s carries in 2024 went for 10 yards or more—a testament to his home-run ability.

Why the Broncos Targeted Harvey

For the Broncos, adding RJ Harvey filled a clear need. The team lost top rusher Javonte Williams in free agency, opening the door for new talent in the backfield. Rather than use a premium first-round pick, Denver’s front office strategically traded down in the second round, ensuring value and addressing multiple positions. By landing Harvey at No. 60 overall, the Broncos seized a chance to upgrade their run game with a true playmaker.

As noted by The Athletic’s draft analysis, Harvey isn’t just a runner. His field vision and lateral quickness give him a knack for finding open lanes, while his patience allows for creative runs. Scouts compare him to Tyjae Spears and even to a bigger version of Darren Sproles for his ability to contribute as a runner and receiver.

How RJ Harvey Fits the Broncos’ Offense

Head Coach Sean Payton values versatility, and Harvey offers just that. His ability to catch passes and break off chunk plays means he can fill several roles in the offense. While he isn’t a power back built for grinding between the tackles, his elusiveness and burst provide a new dimension to Denver’s attack. The Broncos plan to rotate their backs, so Harvey will share touches with Audric Estimé, Jaleel McLaughlin, and others. Still, there’s a clear path for him to become an early contributor and potentially the featured back.

As highlighted in The Denver Post’s in-depth draft coverage, Harvey’s college production speaks for itself. Over his final two seasons at UCF, he rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and totaled 38 touchdowns. He also demonstrated reliable hands and the ability to make plays in space. His background as a former high school quarterback adds to his football intelligence and adaptability.

What to Expect from RJ Harvey in Denver

Broncos fans have reason to believe that RJ Harvey will bring excitement and big plays to Mile High. His style perfectly matches the modern NFL’s demand for multi-dimensional running backs. While he’ll need to sharpen his pass protection and adjust to the professional level’s physicality, all signs point to a strong rookie impact.

In summary, RJ Harvey’s arrival signals a fresh era for the Denver Broncos’ ground game. With proven production, explosive ability, and the right mindset, he’s poised to become a difference-maker in the backfield. For more on how Harvey prepared for this opportunity, check out the official Broncos feature on his draft selection.

Ready to watch RJ Harvey ignite the Broncos’ offense? Stay tuned as he looks to turn potential into production on Sundays this fall.