Harvey’s Speed: Can the Broncos’ Rookie RB Revitalize Their Ground Game?
The Denver Broncos’ ground game sputtered last season, ranking a disappointing 21st in yards per carry. With the 2025 season underway, all eyes are on rookie running back RJ Harvey to inject some much-needed explosiveness into the Broncos’ rushing attack. Can Harvey’s speed and agility be the spark that ignites Denver’s ground game and propels them back into playoff contention?
The State of the Broncos’ Backfield
The Broncos’ running back room has been a revolving door of talent and disappointment in recent years. Javonte Williams, once hailed as the future of the position, struggled to regain his pre-injury form in 2024, averaging a meager 3.6 yards per carry. While Jaleel McLaughlin provided flashes of brilliance, his smaller stature limited his ability to handle a full workload. Audric Estime, another promising rookie, showed glimpses of potential but failed to consistently earn significant playing time.
According to 9NEWS, the Broncos’ top three running backs all flashed encouragement during the 2024 season, perhaps their most indicting collective characteristic was their lack of explosive run. Not one had a gain for as much as 22 yards.
With Williams now playing for the Dallas Cowboys, the Broncos’ brass knew they needed to address the running back position in the offseason. Enter RJ Harvey, the Broncos’ second-round pick from this year’s draft.
RJ Harvey: A Spark Plug for the Offense?
Harvey arrives in Denver with a reputation for speed, agility, and a knack for finding the end zone. During his college career, Harvey showcased his ability to make defenders miss and turn seemingly ordinary plays into highlight-reel touchdowns. His elusiveness and burst could provide the Broncos’ offense with a dimension it sorely lacked last season.
“We needed to open up holes and show [Williams’] talent, and that’s what we did today,” tackle Garett Bolles said after a game against the Jets where the Broncos relied heavily on their rushing attack. “… We just grinded it out and our backs found the running lanes and they hit the holes and we did what we needed to do today.”
Harvey’s skill set could be particularly valuable in Sean Payton’s offensive scheme. Payton has a history of utilizing versatile running backs who can contribute both on the ground and through the air. If Harvey can quickly grasp the nuances of Payton’s playbook, he could become a focal point of the Broncos’ offense.
Competition in the Backfield
While Harvey is expected to play a significant role, he won’t be handed the keys to the backfield without a fight. Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson are all vying for carries and opportunities to impress the coaching staff.
McLaughlin, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset, showcasing his speed and receiving ability out of the backfield. According to Sports Illustrated, McLaughlin added upwards of 12 pounds this offseason, claiming to be at 199 pounds, though he says he’s faster than ever. That weight gain could help encourage the coaches to keep McLaughlin on the field more moving forward.
Estime, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, possesses a bruising running style that could complement Harvey’s finesse. The Broncos may look to utilize Estime in short-yardage situations and near the goal line.
Ultimately, the Broncos’ success on the ground may hinge on their ability to effectively utilize all the weapons in their backfield.
The Impact on Bo Nix
The development of the Broncos’ ground game could have a significant impact on rookie quarterback Bo Nix. A consistent rushing attack would alleviate pressure on Nix, allowing him to make more manageable throws and avoid costly turnovers.
As rookie quarterback Bo Nix stood on the sideline in of Sunday’s win over the Jets, he knew the game didn’t have to be pretty. He and the Broncos’ offense didn’t need to be perfect, and they didn’t need to win in style. They just needed to win. “It’s not going to be a picture-perfect game when the weather’s like that and they have a good defense,” Nix said after the Broncos’ 10-9 win over New York.
Moreover, a strong running game would force opposing defenses to respect the Broncos’ ground attack, opening up opportunities for Nix to exploit favorable matchups in the passing game.
Early Season Expectations
As the Broncos embark on the 2025 season, expectations are cautiously optimistic. While Harvey’s potential is undeniable, it remains to be seen how quickly he can adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
The Broncos’ offensive line, which struggled at times last season, will also need to improve in order to create consistent running lanes for Harvey and the other running backs.
In Week 3 of the 2025 season, the Broncos’ passing game hadn’t found its groove yet, and Denver struggled to move the ball through the air without the use of play action. Bo Nix earned a 48.2 overall PFF grade on non-play-action throws, completing 10-of-19 pass attempts for 65 yards and averaging 3.2 yards per pass attempt.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of excitement surrounding Harvey’s arrival in Denver. If he can live up to the hype, he could be the catalyst that transforms the Broncos’ ground game and helps them compete for a playoff berth.