The Broncos’ Draft Class: Don’t Sleep on RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant
The NFL Draft is always a time for speculation, prediction, and hype, but it’s important to take a step back and understand that talent doesn’t always align with what we expect or read about in Mock Drafts. This year, the Denver Broncos’ selections may not have gone exactly how some fans hoped, but that doesn’t mean the team didn’t grab players who could make an impact. Two names that stand out are RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant – two players who might not have been on every mock draft radar but possess intriguing qualities that could make them valuable additions to the Broncos’ roster.
In the world of NFL draft predictions, fans often focus on the ‘big names,’ the players whose stock is constantly rising in media circles or whose highlight reels are all over social media. However, it’s equally important to dig deeper, watch the film, and look at how a player’s skill set aligns with what an NFL team needs. That’s where players like RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant, who might not have had the same level of exposure, come into play.
RJ Harvey: A Bucky Irving Mold?
Let’s start with RJ Harvey, a running back who might not have been the first name fans shouted when they were predicting who the Broncos would draft, but he’s an intriguing prospect nonetheless. When we think of Harvey, one name that comes to mind is Bucky Irving. If you’ve watched Irving’s career, you know the kind of player he is – explosive, elusive, and capable of making a big impact in the NFL despite not being one of the most talked-about backs.
Harvey shares a lot of similarities with Irving. Both players are known for their ability to make defenders miss in space and show strong vision to hit the right gaps. But the key takeaway is that Harvey has more of an under-the-radar quality, one that can easily be overlooked. What Harvey brings to the table isn’t flashy headlines but the kind of quiet, consistent production that can fly under the radar.
In terms of playing style, Harvey is dynamic as both a ball carrier and a receiving threat out of the backfield. His quickness allows him to accelerate past defenders, and he has that elusive quality that makes him a tough player to bring down. If you watch his film, you’ll see a running back who is extremely patient and intelligent, waiting for the right moment to explode. Harvey doesn’t try to force plays; instead, he lets his vision and footwork create opportunities for himself.
While he may not be the biggest or most physically imposing back, what Harvey brings to the Broncos’ backfield is versatility and playmaking ability. His style mirrors that of Bucky Irving in the sense that both are effective in space and can create big plays with just a sliver of daylight. That’s the kind of back who can make a big impact in a modern NFL offense, one that values speed, versatility, and the ability to contribute both in the run game and the passing game.
Why Broncos Fans Should Be Excited About RJ Harvey:
- Vision and Patience: Harvey’s ability to wait for plays to develop and hit the right lanes will allow him to thrive in the NFL, especially with Denver’s offensive line opening up space for him.
- Versatility: Similar to Bucky Irving, Harvey can contribute as a receiving option in addition to his work as a traditional running back, making him a true threat in the backfield.
- Explosiveness: Watch him on film, and you’ll see that Harvey has the ability to change the game in an instant. His quick acceleration and burst are his calling cards.
At the end of the day, whether or not Harvey is an immediate starter is irrelevant. His potential as a change-of-pace back and someone who can be developed into a consistent contributor in a variety of roles should have Broncos fans excited.
Pat Bryant: A Marques Colston Mold?
Now, let’s talk about Pat Bryant, the wide receiver who might not have been on every fan’s radar leading up to the draft. Some might have expected the Broncos to go for a receiver with higher profile, but Bryant is a player whose skills and fit in Denver’s offense should not be overlooked. A comparison to Marques Colston, one of the NFL’s most underrated wide receivers, is an apt one when breaking down Bryant’s potential.
Colston, who had a highly successful career with the New Orleans Saints, was never the most physically imposing receiver, but what he had was an uncanny ability to create separation and make plays in key moments. Bryant shares this quality. He may not have the 4.3 speed of some other wideouts, but his ability to run precise routes, use his size to his advantage, and make contested catches make him a true asset for any NFL offense.
Bryant’s film reveals a player who is incredibly smooth in his route running, with a good understanding of how to manipulate defenders and create separation. He’s not afraid to go up and fight for the ball, and his size gives him an edge in jump-ball situations. While he may not dazzle with breakaway speed, Bryant’s ability to consistently get open, especially in the short-to-intermediate passing game, will be invaluable.
What also makes Bryant intriguing is his adaptability. He’s shown the ability to line up both on the outside and in the slot, which gives him versatility in the Broncos’ system. In the NFL, versatility is a huge asset, and Bryant’s ability to be used in a variety of ways could make him an immediate contributor in Denver’s passing attack.
Why Broncos Fans Should Be Excited About Pat Bryant:
- Route Running: Bryant’s technical ability to run crisp, clean routes is a skill that will help him immediately translate to the NFL. He can beat defenders with his craftiness and separation.
- Big-Play Potential: Like Colston, Bryant is capable of making big plays, especially in crucial moments. His ability to win contested catches will be invaluable for a team that might need him in key third-down situations.
- Versatility: Bryant’s ability to line up at different spots in the offense will help him get on the field early, whether in the slot or on the outside.
Bryant’s potential to be a reliable, consistent contributor to the Broncos offense should make fans excited. While he might not have the hype that some of the bigger names received, his skills align perfectly with the Broncos’ needs, and his high football IQ and consistency will go a long way.
Don’t Overlook the Film
As NFL fans, it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz surrounding the big names in the draft. It’s natural to want the next top-tier player to come to your team, and mock drafts play a big part in shaping those expectations. But the real value often lies in the players who aren’t as heavily talked about. RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant may not have been the first names on the tip of everyone’s tongue leading up to the draft, but when you go back and watch the film, it’s clear that both players have the potential to be major contributors in the NFL.
Harvey’s vision and explosiveness, paired with Bryant’s route-running ability and versatility, make them valuable additions to the Broncos’ roster. While they may not have been the sexy picks or the ones that generated the most buzz, they bring qualities that will make a tangible impact on the field. So next time you’re watching the draft or discussing potential players, remember that it’s not always about the big names. Sometimes, the best players are the ones who fly under the radar and make their mark when given the opportunity.