The Denver Broncos have selected UCF running back RJ Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Following the pick, we look at how Harvey might fit into the Broncos’ RB rotation in his rookie year.
Denver Broncos Select RJ Harvey in Second Round of 2025 NFL Draft
The Broncos were widely expected to take a running back on Day 1 of the draft. Yet, with the player they were expected to take, Omarion Hampton, still on the board, Denver instead selected cornerback Jahdae Barron.
While no fans will be unhappy with Barron’s selection, it meant the team headed into Day 2 with question marks remaining in its running back situation. Both Ohio State RBs — TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins — two of the class’ top prospects, were then taken early in the second round.
With four running backs off the board, the Broncos had their choice of the rest with their second-round pick, and they chose Harvey. With him joining Denver in 2025, we look at the team’s running back situation as things stand.
RJ Harvey
I’m putting Harvey at the top of this list. His second-round draft capital — coupled with the struggles his new teammates faced last season — makes him a good bet to start from Day 1.
Harvey 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 need of a spark in the offensive backfield after a drab year in 2024.
Only six NFL teams averaged fewer rushing yards per attempt than Denver did 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 continue to rotate at the position, but Harvey should have a great chance to lead the backfield.
Jaleel McLaughlin
An undrafted free agent in 2023, Jaleel McLaughlin was afforded 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, and his 496 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in 2024 suggest the player can only hope for a rotational role again next season.
Audric Estimé
It’s safe to say that the Broncos were hoping for more from 2024 rookie Audric Estimé in his first year. The big-bodied back divided opinions after an uninspiring NFL Combine performance, but the team threw him into the rotation early on.
Estimé doesn’t offer the pass-catching spark that McLaughlin does, so he will likely be hoping for a goal-line role in 2025. If he can take a leap in Year 2, though, he currently stands to have an opportunity on the field in some capacity.
