The Broncos drafted UCF speedster RJ Harvey in the second round (60th overall) to give rookie QB Bo Nix another weapon in Sean Payton’s offense. After turning heads throughout training camp with his explosiveness and receiving skills, Harvey seemed destined for an immediate impact role. But one preseason game has changed the conversation around Denver’s rookie running back.
Now, Harvey’s facing a pivotal moment. His next preseason performance could determine whether he secures a significant role in Denver’s backfield or slides down the depth chart before his career even gets started.
Harvey’s Debut: Flashes of Brilliance, Signs of Concern
In Denver’s 30-9 win over San Francisco, Harvey put up modest numbers – 7 carries for 25 yards (3.6 avg) and 2 catches for 4 yards. While his explosive athleticism jumped off the screen, especially when creating space on the edge, a concerning pattern emerged.
The rookie repeatedly bounced runs outside instead of hitting available interior lanes.
Sean Payton addressed this tendency while still expressing confidence in his second-round pick. “At the end of the day, the great skill set he has is that ability, speed-wise to,” Payton explained, “but he can get through the line of scrimmage the same way. There was one where we felt like, ‘Trust it, be a little bit more patient.’ He’s an extremely instinctive runner.”
The film tells a more nuanced story than initial reactions suggested. Several of Harvey’s bounce-outs weren’t poor decisions – they were survival moves when interior blocking collapsed. Mile High Report’s Ross Allen noted that on multiple runs, Harvey had no choice but to redirect outside when his designed lanes disappeared.
That said, there were definitely plays where the blocking held up but Harvey still abandoned the designed gap. These moments likely stem from rookie jitters and overreaction to defensive line movement – correctable issues rather than fundamental flaws in his game.
The Crowded Broncos Backfield
With veteran JK Dobbins looking healthy and hungry for a career revival in Denver, Harvey’s path to significant playing time isn’t guaranteed. The Broncos’ backfield has become increasingly competitive, raising the stakes for Harvey’s next preseason appearance.
What makes this week’s game so crucial is the brutal efficiency of NFL evaluation. Depth charts can solidify quickly, and first impressions matter – especially for rookies trying to earn coaches’ trust in pass protection and between-the-tackles running.
Harvey’s raw tools – that gamebreaking speed, lateral agility, and coachability – remain extremely enticing. But the NFL doesn’t run on potential alone.
Make-or-Break Moment?
Let’s be clear: Harvey isn’t fighting for a roster spot. His draft capital and undeniable talent ensure he’ll be part of Denver’s plans this season. But another hesitant, bounce-happy performance could dramatically reduce his early-season opportunities.
The NFL is notoriously unforgiving with its “what have you done lately?” mentality. After a promising camp generated buzz about Harvey potentially challenging for lead-back duties, one shaky game has already cooled that talk. Another similar outing could push him further down the pecking order before Week 1 arrives.
For Harvey, this isn’t just about making the team – it’s about carving out a meaningful role in an offense that could use his explosiveness. The difference between 15+ touches per game and a specialized 5-7 touch role might come down to what he shows coaches this weekend.
The talent that made him the 60th pick hasn’t disappeared. But in the razor-thin margins of NFL evaluation, Harvey needs to show more decisiveness and north-south conviction when the lights come on again.