The Denver Broncos used their second-round pick in this year's draft on UCF running back RJ Harvey, taking him ahead of more recognizable names such as Kaleb Johnson and Cam Skattebo.
The Broncos were excited to land him, and so were those inside Broncos Country. But some of those fans may have done a double-take when seeing the team's first unofficial depth chart, which was released on Wednesday.
Harvey is sitting as the No. 6 running back on the depth chart. There are only six running backs on the roster.
Does that mean that Harvey is really behind all of those backs in the pecking order? Not hardly.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is notorious for making rookies earn their keep, and that is the case here. Harvey is obviously going to make this roster and be a big part of the team going forward, but he'll begin the summer in the back of the line.
There is a good chance the team will keep four running backs on the 53-man roster. Who those four running backs will be is anyone's guess, as all six backs on the roster have a chance to compete for a spot.
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Harvey and J.K. Dobbins are going to be safe, meaning that Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime will have to show they belong over Tyler Badie and Blake Watson. Harvey will likely be no worse than the No. 2 running back on the depth chart when the season kicks off, but Payton is giving him the rookie treatment with his first depth chart.
Harvey should make his first appearance in orange and blue this Saturday night in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. He likely won't play more than a series or two, as Payton and the coaching staff will want to get a look at the four running backs who are likely competing for two spots.
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