The Denver Broncos wasted no time defining rookie running back role—he’s slated to be the team’s lead back. Period. If that surprises anyone, they likely haven’t been following the long-standing struggles of Denver’s rushing attack.
Per the latest depth chart from OurLads.com, He is projected to enter minicamp as the Broncos’ starting running back, ahead of a crowded group of backs who’ve had multiple opportunities but haven’t secured the job.
Considering the Broncos haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2019, a fresh face like him leading the backfield is a welcome change. A consistent ground game could be crucial to Denver’s hopes of reaching the playoffs for a second straight year.
“After an extensive evaluation process—studying film, analyzing stats, and gathering intel—the Broncos identified UCF’s RJ Harvey as the best running back in the 2025 draft outside of Ashton Jeanty,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported on May 7. “So when pick No. 60 came around in the second round, the choice was clear.”
Harvey Called ‘Underrated Superstar’ in Rookie Class
You don’t have to look far to see Sean Payton’s track record with identifying elite running back talent. As head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he famously drafted Alvin Kamara in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft—a move that paid off in a big way.
Kamara went on to become one of the league’s top backs, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2017, making two All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowls. He’s also one of the highest-paid running backs in league history, with projected career earnings of roughly \$79.3 million by the end of his current deal in 2026.
RJ Harvey, listed at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, has the potential to make a similar impact in Denver. At UCF, he put up over 1,400 rushing yards in each of his final two seasons, amassing 3,498 total yards and 48 touchdowns over his career. In 2024 alone, he rushed for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns in 12 games, averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry, and added 20 catches for 267 yards and two more scores.
NBC Sports’ Chris Simms summed it up well on X, writing: “RJ Harvey is one of the most underrated superstar potential players in the league. Ankle breaker and 80-yard TD ability. Had him as the #3 RB.”
Broncos Lost Leading Rusher to Cowboys
The door opened for a new lead running back in Denver after the team made no effort to retain last year’s top rusher, Javonte Williams, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.
Although Williams led the Broncos in rushing in three of the past four seasons, his 2024 campaign was likely his least effective, finishing with 513 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and a modest 3.7 yards per carry.