The 2025 NFL Draft is set to deliver another Aaron Jones-type playmaker to the league. This year’s running back class is drawing serious hype, and for good reason — it’s being called one of the strongest groups in years, packed with potential starters.
And one prospect in particular is gaining buzz thanks to a notable comparison. ESPN analyst Todd McShay sees shades of Minnesota Vikings star Aaron Jones in former UCF running back RJ Harvey.
McShay Sees ‘Jitterbug’ Magic in RJ Harvey’s Game, Compares Him to Aaron Jones
RJ Harvey is a compact, tough, blue-collar back who’s made a name for himself with his contact balance, agility, and all-around production. His style mirrors Jones’ in how he moves through traffic and breaks tackles, but his footwork really stands out.
“I love his feet,” McShay wrote. “He’s an electric pick-and-slide runner with good patience and vision. He’s not an overpowering runner and is too often overwhelmed at the point of attack, but I don’t question his toughness or effort.”
What really sells the comparison for McShay is how both backs attack defenses.
“When I watch Harvey at UCF, it’s like watching Aaron Jones carving up NFL defenses with his jitterbug lateral agility,” McShay said. “Both are tough and use impressive contact balance for their size to advance runs in traffic.”
From Underdog to Draft Day Sleeper, Harvey’s Stock Keeps Rising
Harvey spent five seasons at UCF, developing into one of the more reliable running backs in the nation. After seeing limited action in 2020 and missing all of 2021 due to a preseason injury, Harvey broke out in 2022 and never looked back.
Between 2022 and 2024, he racked up 3,789 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns on 576 carries. He also made appearances in the Military Bowl and the Gasparilla Bowl, proving himself in big-game situations. That production earned him a 2025 Senior Bowl invite, where he continued to impress scouts with his vision and quickness.
McShay doubled down on the praise, again highlighting Harvey’s ability to read blocks and turn broken plays into gains with his elusive movement and balance through contact.
Most draft projections have Harvey going somewhere between the third and fourth rounds. PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft has him landing with the Cleveland Browns at No. 94 overall.
Cleveland has big decisions in this draft, holding a top selection at No. 2 overall. That pick could be used on a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or a dynamic two-way talent like Travis Hunter. But if they snag Harvey later on, he’d likely join as depth behind the Browns’ current running back group — bringing upside, versatility, and a Jones-like spark to the offense.