When the Denver Broncos chose former UCF running back with the 60th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Bo Nix took notice.
While it was widely expected that the Broncos would target a running back in the draft—and team leadership had openly expressed admiration for this year’s class—His selection still caught some by surprise due to the other backs the team had been linked to.
In that light, Nix’s question made perfect sense.
“How’s top veteran?” Nix asked Kam Martin, Harvey’s former position coach, according to Luca Evans of The Denver Post on May 4.
His father, Robert, told Evans that many of the other top running backs in the draft class received more visibility than his son, which he believes contributed to RJ flying under the radar during the pre-draft process.
“They’re about to find out,” Robert said. “He’s a monster. He’s no joke.”
Harvey, a former quarterback turned running back, put up impressive numbers over his final two college seasons—rushing for 2,933 yards and 38 touchdowns on 458 carries. In 2024, he led the Big 12 with 6.8 yards per carry and 22 rushing touchdowns.
“They’re going to see he’s just like his cousin,” said boxing legend and International Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr., referring to Harvey. “He’s Mr. Unstoppable.”
Broncos ‘Did Their Homework’ on RJ Harvey
According to Evans, one source claimed the Broncos “did their homework” on RJ Harvey, recognizing that his college stats don’t fully reflect his potential as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Over four seasons, Harvey hauled in 61 catches for 720 yards and four touchdowns.
Broncos general manager George Paton praised Harvey’s vision, calling it the best in the draft class.
“He was kind of our pet cat throughout the process,” Paton told reporters after Day 2. “We really like this back.”
Paton highlighted Harvey’s instincts, balance through contact, and explosiveness, adding that the team believes he can develop further as a pass catcher, even though he wasn’t heavily featured in that role under UCF head coach Gus Malzahn.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton took the comparison of RJ Harvey a step further, linking him not just to Darren Sproles but also to Alvin Kamara.
“I had the chance to coach Darren, and he was an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. But when he came out of Kansas State, he was also an exceptional runner,” Payton said on April 25.
He added, “When we drafted Kamara in the third round, he was splitting carries—only about 40% of the workload. He wasn’t the lead back initially.”
According to Payton, the Broncos became “quiet” about their draft intentions as they “fell in love” with Harvey’s game tape.
Sean Payton Suggests Broncos Eyed Ashton Jeanty
Sean Payton mentioned former Boise State standout and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who had been tied to the Broncos in pre-draft rumors involving a potential trade-up. However, Payton acknowledged that pursuing Jeanty was likely “unrealistic,” noting that other teams were aware of Denver’s interest.
Ultimately, the Broncos shifted focus and “fell in love” with RJ Harvey instead.
Sean Payton referenced former Boise State star and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who had been linked to the Broncos in trade-up rumors during the pre-draft period. However, Payton admitted that the idea of acquiring Jeanty was “unrealistic,” as other teams were aware of Denver’s interest.
In the end, the Broncos pivoted and “fell in love” with RJ Harvey.