The Denver Broncos overhauled the running back position last offseason, and it appears a rookie second-round draft pick will be the feature back in 2025.
In the Broncos' first preseason game against the 49ers, RJ Harvey received all of the carries with the first team while also running more routes than third-down back JK Dobbins. Both backs played with the first team offense, with Harvey logging 12 of 13 snaps of first and second downs. Dobbins took all five snaps on third down.
However, Harvey may also be the lead pass-catcher out of the backfield, even if he doesn't play on third downs, according to Pro Football Focus NFL insider Nathan Jahnke.
"Last season, Broncos’ running backs generated 63 receptions on first and second downs compared to 22 on third downs. While Harvey would be a feature back in the most ideal world, this kind of split would make Harvey a weekly must-start, while Dobbins would not be worth starting."
So, how did Harvey fare in his first preseason action? Mixed reviews.
He tallied seven carries for 25 yards -- just a 3.6 yards-per-carry average. While two of his runs went for 18 yards, his other five combined for six, including one carry for a one-yard loss.
Sports Illustrated NFL insider Erick Trickel broke down the film on all seven of Harvey's runs, coming to the conclusion that the back was justified in bouncing all of his runs to the outside.
"With seven carries, Harvey ended up taking all of them outside the tackles. Four of them were designed outside, with three inside that he bounced outside. Two of them were clearly justifiable, with one that can go either way."
Harvey is on the small side (5-foot-8, 205 pounds), but he plays tough and is productive, having run for 10-plus yards on a class-best 23% of his carries last season.
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