RJ Harvey has been one of the most intriguing running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle. The former UCF star rushed for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns during his final collegiate season, displaying explosive burst, compact power, and elite balance that scouts covet. Yet with all the physical tools and college production in place, his exact place on the Denver Broncos’ draft board had remained murky—until now. An NFL insider has shed light on how Sean Payton and the Broncos view Harvey, and the revelation is surprising.
According to a high-ranking source with direct knowledge of Denver’s draft preparations, RJ Harvey ranked as the Broncos’ third overall running back on their internal board going into the draft. This might not raise eyebrows at first glance, but when considering the crowded field of top-tier running backs this year—including names like Michigan’s Blake Corum, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson, and Florida State’s Trey Benson—Harvey’s placement in the top three is notable. Especially for a player from a Group of Five program.
Why the high grade? It turns out the Broncos are enamored with Harvey’s versatility. In film sessions, Denver’s scouts and offensive coaches reportedly raved about his ability to create yards after contact, his toughness in short-yardage situations, and his capacity to contribute as a receiver. He may not have logged a ton of catches in college, but his hands were deemed reliable, and his route-running was seen as more advanced than many expected.
The insider emphasized that Sean Payton sees a bit of Alvin Kamara in Harvey’s game. Not necessarily in terms of identical style, but in the way he can be deployed as a multi-dimensional threat. Payton, who famously maximized Kamara in New Orleans, is looking for chess pieces that can keep defenses guessing. In Harvey, the Broncos believe they have a moldable talent who can impact the game on all three downs.
One Broncos scout reportedly described Harvey as “a ticking time bomb of yards” – a player who only needs a sliver of daylight to explode for 20 yards. That combination of vision and sudden acceleration made him a favorite during Denver’s private evaluations. Despite not testing as a pure track star, Harvey consistently clocked in the mid-4.4s in the 40-yard dash and had one of the best 10-yard splits among running backs in his class. That short-area burst is a trait that Payton values highly in his offensive design.
There was also a major emphasis on character and football IQ during Denver’s vetting process, and Harvey reportedly knocked it out of the park during interviews. One source said, “He walked in and owned the room. He knows football. He understands schemes. He was prepared. You could tell this was a kid who wants it bad.”
Harvey’s rise on Denver’s board was not overnight. Early in the scouting process, he was viewed as a Day 3 sleeper. But as the Broncos continued to gather data—watching every carry, every pass block, every snap on special teams—their confidence in Harvey grew. By the final week before the draft, he had solidified his spot as a top-three back in their eyes. That said, Denver also knew they had to be strategic. Using a premium pick on a running back, especially one without Power Five pedigree, comes with risk.
The Broncos ultimately passed on Harvey in the early rounds, instead focusing on other positional needs. But they kept tabs on him, and when the middle rounds came around, they were poised to strike. Another team reportedly had their eyes on Harvey as well, creating a tense few picks where Denver debated whether to trade up to secure him. In the end, the Broncos pulled the trigger at what they felt was the perfect value point.
While Harvey enters a running back room that already includes names like Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, there is a real belief internally that he can carve out a meaningful role as a rookie. One assistant coach noted that Harvey could be used in “package-specific” plays early on, especially in third-down and red-zone scenarios. If he picks up the playbook quickly, there could be an even larger opportunity as the season progresses.
It’s also worth noting that Harvey’s special teams experience played a factor in Denver’s evaluation. In a league where roster spots are precious, the ability to contribute beyond just offense is invaluable. Harvey’s willingness to cover kicks, block on returns, and even return punts in emergencies gives him added utility that most rookies lack.
When asked about Harvey post-draft, Sean Payton offered measured praise. “We saw a lot to like. He’s a guy who runs angry, who competes every snap. That’s what we want. We think he can be a great fit here.”
It’s clear from both the insider reports and the tone of the organization that RJ Harvey isn’t just another mid-round dart throw. He was scouted heavily, vetted thoroughly, and prioritized on the Broncos’ board. Whether he becomes a feature back, a specialist, or a reliable rotational player will depend on his ability to translate that college skillset to the NFL level. But in a year with plenty of running back talent, the Broncos’ view of Harvey as a top-three prospect at the position says a lot.
In the end, Denver got their guy. And while fans might not have had Harvey’s name circled heading into the draft, those inside the organization were convinced long before the pick was made. Now the onus is on Harvey to reward that faith with production.
Every year, the draft is filled with surprises. Some players fall. Others rise. RJ Harvey, through a combination of work ethic, on-field explosion, and scheme versatility, rose higher on the Broncos’ radar than most would have imagined. The insider truth bomb has made it clear: this wasn’t a flier. It was a calculated, confident selection by a team that believes it knows exactly what it’s getting.