The Denver Broncos finally ended their playoff drought last season, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix bringing fresh energy to the offense. But here’s the thing: if Denver wants to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention, its rushing attack will be just as important as its passing game. The team knows this, so it made some serious moves this offseason to fix what was broken.
How Did the Broncos Address Their Running Game Problems?
The Broncos didn’t just tweak around the edges. They bolstered their backfield with J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey, two additions that could completely change how this offense operates. With the team’s 53-man roster now set, the focus turns to how this new depth chart stacks up heading into 2025.
Looking back at the 2024-25 campaign, the Broncos had an average offense, but their run game couldn’t find its footing. Finishing 23rd in rushing touchdowns and with no back crossing the 600-yard mark, Denver became way too predictable and put too much pressure on Nix’s shoulders.
That led to a big spring shakeup. The team picked RJ Harvey out of UCF in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and added J.K. Dobbins in free agency. With those two atop the depth chart, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie are the other two backs on the 53-man roster. So, let’s get to know each of them.
What Does J.K. Dobbins Bring to Denver’s Backfield?
Dobbins signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Broncos this offseason and brings a veteran presence to their backfield, which consists of younger options such as Harvey, McLaughlin, and Badie.
Last offseason, Dobbins was on a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Chargers after spending four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. It was a prove-it deal given his lengthy injury history, and he made the most of his opportunity, rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns.
Chargers 22 Raiders 10
J.K. Dobbins (135 rush yds, 10 carries, TD) finished with the third most rushing yards in a season opener in team history.
His 135 yards on 10 carries are also the third most in team history by a player with 10 or fewer rushes.pic.twitter.com/Zd9mp6Q4Zq
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 8, 2024
Now in Denver, Dobbins is expected to form a one-two punch with Harvey. They should handle the bulk of the carries, while Dobbins is also likely to take over pass-blocking duties, a role formerly handled by Javonte Williams, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
Can RJ Harvey Make an Immediate Impact as a Rookie?
Harvey, the 60th overall pick, enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, leading the Big 12 in both yards per attempt (6.8), rushing touchdowns (22), and total touchdowns (25). He joins a team in desperate need of a spark in the offensive backfield after a drab year in 2024.
The numbers tell the whole story. Only six NFL teams averaged fewer rushing yards per attempt than Denver in 2024 (4.1), while the team’s 12 rushing touchdowns were tied for the ninth-fewest. If you take away quarterback Bo Nix’s contributions, Denver’s running backs combined for just eight rushing scores, which would have been tied for the second-fewest in the NFL.
The Broncos will likely have Dobbins as the Week 1 starter, but Harvey should have a great chance to lead the backfield eventually.
What Role Will Jaleel McLaughlin Play This Season?
An undrafted free agent in 2023, McLaughlin was given a chance to impress by Sean Payton and repaid the opportunity. While never threatening to take over as a three-down back, McLaughlin was easily the team’s most impressive runner last season.
That’s not saying much, though. His 496 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in 2024 suggest McLaughlin can only hope for a rotational role again next season, but he’s proven he belongs on an NFL roster.
Who is Tyler Badie?
A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Badie joined the Broncos after a stint on the Ravens’ practice squad and made an immediate splash, scoring a 24-yard touchdown on his very first NFL touch in Week 18.
Since then, opportunities have been limited, but Badie has managed to carve out a role by showing steady growth and versatility.
This preseason, he carried the ball 13 times for 60 yards and added eight receptions for 56 yards, proving he can contribute as both a runner and a pass-catcher. His performance was enough to secure a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster heading into 2025.
