The Denver Broncos came into the offseason knowing they had to do something about their run game, and really, the offense as a whole. The offense showed moments last season, but if this franchise wants to take that next step with Bo Nix, they have to capitalize on having a QB on a rookie contract.

To try and take advantage of that, the Broncos went and drafted a running back and a wide receiver, both for Nix to use at his disposal, and for head coach Sean Payton to help show off the mastermind side of his offense a bit more.

Drafting RJ Harvey, the running back from UCF, the Broncos already got better in the run game. As a rookie, Harvey is likely better than Javonte Williams and anyone else who was in the RB room last season. Now, it's about getting him implemented into the system and getting his feet under him as a running back in the NFL. Rookie minicamp, which started this weekend, is a good way to do that.

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“I would say we really start with the fundamentals," Payton said Saturday. "The growth comes. You feel it. Sometimes it comes faster than you expect, sometimes maybe [it’s] slower. [RB RJ Harvey] is someone, he’s picked up on very quickly what we’re doing. You can tell it’s real important to him.

"This is like the first exposure to the training room, the weight room, the schedule, the nutrition, the practice. There’s a lot more than just, ‘Hey, we’re going to run these plays.’ He’s looked good though. We’re glad he’s here, and each day there’s another little bit of an installation where we add a little bit more to it.”

Harvey is a great running back for what Sean Payton wants to do in his offense, and for what he wants next to Bo Nix, his current prized possession. In 2023 at UCF, Harvey finished with 1,416 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. In 2024, he finished with 1,577 and 22 rushing touchdowns. There is one downside, though. Some don't view Harvey as a three-down back.

When Sean Payton started this offseason, he let everyone know the type of running back he was looking for. And, it was very obvious that he wanted a three-down back. The national perception about Harvey, from fans, media, and analysts, is that Harvey isn't one.

Sean Payton believes differently. In fact, Harvey did some really good pass-catching drills on Saturday, proving he can do one of the things needed to be a third-down back.

“We put in really one route," Payton said. "We didn’t have it yesterday. We had choice routes. I think when you look at a lot of college offenses, I don’t know how often the running back is built into the passing game. I think they are to some degree, but I think maybe a little bit more so at the NFL level. 

"Today we had two or three schemes that went in that certainly… You try to get, if we have one of those plays in the script, we try to make sure he’s getting that rep. So there’s a lot of thought given to the play and who’s in on that play. That was the second install, and it was good to see.”

RJ Harvey showing he’s a weapon out of the backfield ? pic.twitter.com/rFo2j8X0k0

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) May 10, 2025

Harvey is an exceptional running back. I know he's not the guy that everyone wanted the Broncos to take, or even one that was ever mentioned as a possibility, but Harvey is going to be great. It's obvious that Payton thinks highly of him, and also likes the fact that Harvey was a former quarterback, helping him be able to read defenses.

Having Harvey next to Nix could really help unlock this offense in 2025. With how the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers improved their run game by adding the two best running backs in the draft, the Broncos had to draft one. And, they got a guy who can do a little bit of everything.

RB RJ Harvey, WR Pat Bryant continue the tradition of Denver Broncos rookies participating in annual NFLPA event

A great opportunity for the young players.