Put more respect on Harvey’s name.
When the Denver Broncos fell 31-7 in the 2024 AFC Wild Card to the Buffalo Bills, it was clear the team needed more offense out of the backfield. To do that, the Broncos drafted UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
During his tenure at UCF, Harvey was a beast. Harvey rushed for nearly 3,800 rushing yards and recorded 43 rushing touchdowns. Harvey’s explosive game was too good for the Broncos to pass up.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, it was unsure where Harvey would fit in Denver’s offense, led by second-year quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos needed to see improvement from Nix this season to see if he can be the future franchise quarterback in Denver. However, Harvey’s game in 2025 has taken off in a way to show the Broncos landed huge second-round value, which has been a help to Nix’s development.
Harvey is second on the Broncos in rushing with 419 yards. Rushing and receiving combined, Harvey has a total of over 660 yards. Harvey has lifted his game even more by being fourth on the Broncos’ roster with 37 receptions.
In a stat that may sound shocking to some, Harvey leads all rookies with 10 touchdowns. No other rookie in the NFL this season has double-digit touchdowns.
Harvey began this season with ups and downs, trying to find his role. In Week 8, Harvey had his breakout game by scoring three touchdowns in a 44-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys. Five weeks later, Harvey got hot for the Broncos’ offense.
In Denver’s 27-26 win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football, Harvey scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. In the following week, Harvey accomplished an NFL first.
Harvey recorded his first-career 100-yard game combined in the Broncos’ 24-17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Harvey scored one rushing touchdown and ran for 75 yards. Harvey’s touchdown turned out to be the game-winner for the second consecutive week.
This past Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, Harvey continued his dominance. While rushing for 65 yards, Harvey scored a pivotal touchdown to help the Broncos extend their lead to 8 points, and the team went on to win 34-26.
The past three games marked the second time this season that Harvey has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games. Because of Harvey’s unexpected rise, he’s played a huge factor in the Broncos’ 11-game winning streak.
As Week 16 is now here for the NFL, the Broncos have a 12-2 record and are in first place in the AFC, with Harvey being an underappreciated player on the roster.
Category: General Sports
