As the Denver Broncos continue their offseason preparations with eyes on a playoff resurgence, all signs are pointing toward one of their most intriguing new additions—running back RJ Harvey—being a potential difference-maker. ESPN analysts have gone all-in on the former UCF star, projecting him as a key catalyst in revitalizing a Denver offense that has long struggled to find consistency, explosiveness, and balance. For Broncos fans starved of offensive electricity since the Peyton Manning era, Harvey’s arrival may mark the turning of a long-awaited corner.
Harvey, who joined the Broncos after a standout collegiate career at UCF, isn’t just seen as a depth piece or rotational back. According to ESPN’s latest forecast, Harvey could quickly emerge as a core contributor in Sean Payton’s revamped offensive scheme. His blend of speed, vision, and pass-catching ability makes him an ideal weapon for an offense looking to exploit mismatches, create chunk plays, and finally relieve pressure off its quarterbacks.
The buzz around Harvey isn’t just rooted in hype. His 2024 college season turned heads across the nation. At UCF, he posted over 1,400 total yards from scrimmage, consistently torching defenses with his ability to bounce outside, accelerate through gaps, and make defenders miss in the open field. NFL scouts praised not only his physical skill set but also his football IQ, work ethic, and locker room presence. For the Broncos, he checked every box. ESPN’s report highlights that Denver’s front office viewed Harvey as an “undervalued gem” in the draft—a player with starting-caliber potential who slipped through the cracks due to the depth of talent at his position.
What’s more exciting is how Sean Payton intends to deploy him. Known for crafting dynamic offenses that turn good players into stars, Payton sees Harvey as a multi-dimensional back in the mold of past Saints greats like Alvin Kamara. In fact, insiders say Payton was personally involved in Harvey’s evaluation and has already begun designing packages that leverage Harvey’s strengths. From swing passes out of the backfield to jet sweeps and zone-read options, the Broncos plan to move Harvey around like a chess piece. ESPN analysts are particularly high on this pairing, noting that Harvey’s skill set is “tailor-made for a creative mind like Payton’s.”
Denver’s offensive struggles over the past few seasons have been well-documented. Despite possessing talent across the board—Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy (now traded), Javonte Williams—the unit never quite found rhythm. Quarterback uncertainty, play-calling inconsistencies, and injuries plagued the Broncos since 2017. In 2024, the team averaged just 19.3 points per game, ranking near the bottom in explosive plays. That’s where Harvey is expected to flip the script. ESPN’s analytics department projects that if Harvey earns 12–15 touches per game, the Broncos could jump into the top half of the league in total offense by midseason.
Harvey’s addition also helps alleviate concerns around Denver’s running back depth. Javonte Williams, though extremely talented, has dealt with injuries the past two seasons. While Samaje Perine remains a reliable option, he lacks the breakaway ability Harvey brings. Having a fresh-legged playmaker like Harvey not only gives Denver a Plan B—it gives them an entirely new dynamic. One Broncos insider told ESPN, “RJ’s going to force defenses to account for every blade of grass. We haven’t had that kind of juice in years.”
Teammates have already taken notice. Quarterback Bo Nix, who is battling for the starting role, praised Harvey’s versatility and energy during early team activities. “RJ’s one of those guys who makes you excited to get under center. He’s explosive, he’s smart, and he’s a great teammate,” Nix said in a press conference. “When the play breaks down, he’s the kind of guy who can still make something happen.”
Veteran offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey echoed similar sentiments, calling Harvey “one of the most naturally gifted backs I’ve ever blocked for—even at this stage.” Statements like these only reinforce ESPN’s optimistic projection. They’ve listed Harvey as a top candidate for the All-Rookie Team and an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year if he receives a consistent workload.
There’s also the matter of timing. With the AFC West becoming increasingly competitive—Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs remain the standard, while the Chargers and Raiders are each retooling their offenses—the Broncos cannot afford to lag behind. Injecting a weapon like Harvey into the fold not only improves Denver’s outlook but also gives them a chance to dictate pace rather than react. That, ESPN argues, is the biggest value Harvey brings: control. By staying ahead of the chains and opening up play-action opportunities, Harvey could be the engine that finally gets the Broncos’ offense humming again.
Off the field, Harvey is already making an impression. A leader at UCF and a mentor to younger players, he’s brought that same maturity and leadership to Denver. Coaches say he stays late after practice, studies film relentlessly, and asks thoughtful questions in team meetings. “He’s like a sponge,” running backs coach Lou Ayeni said. “He wants to learn everything—blocking schemes, route trees, even defensive coverages. You don’t see that kind of drive in most rookies.”
Fans, too, are beginning to buy into the hype. Social media has erupted with excitement following ESPN’s glowing projections, with many comparing Harvey’s arrival to the rookie seasons of other breakout backs. Already, Broncos Nation is envisioning Harvey jerseys flying off shelves and chants of “RJ!” echoing through Empower Field.
Of course, projections remain just that—projections. NFL success depends on many variables: health, scheme fit, line play, and coaching. But as of now, all the arrows are pointing up for RJ Harvey. He has the pedigree, the system, the opportunity, and the belief of his coaching staff and teammates. Most importantly, he has the attention of one of the most respected sports networks in the world.
ESPN’s prediction isn’t a throwaway hot take—it’s based on data, scouting, and football logic. It reflects the changing landscape in Denver, where for the first time in years, the offense is being viewed as an ascending unit rather than a liability. That’s no small statement. And if RJ Harvey lives up to the expectations placed on him, Broncos fans could be witnessing the emergence of a new franchise cornerstone.
In a league where youth and speed are increasingly valuable, Harvey’s arrival comes at the perfect moment. Whether he lines up in the backfield, splits out wide, or returns kicks, Harvey is expected to touch the ball in multiple ways and flip the field every time he does. ESPN’s projection may one day be remembered as the first indicator of a star in the making.
With the 2025 season fast approaching and training camp around the corner, all eyes in Denver—and around the NFL—will be on RJ Harvey. If he can stay healthy and continue his upward trajectory, there’s no telling how high this offense can fly. One thing is clear: the Broncos may have found their spark, and his name is RJ Harvey.
