RJ Harvey’s Rookie Rise: Broncos’ Young Back Making NFL History
As the regular season winds down, it’s becoming harder and harder to ignore what RJ Harvey is doing in Denver. The rookie running back is turning heads - not just with his burst and vision, but with how quickly he’s adjusted to the speed and physicality of the pro game.
The pass protection issues that once defined his scouting report? Those are starting to fade.
And the touchdowns? They’re starting to pile up.
Harvey, a second-round pick out of UCF in the 2025 NFL Draft, wasn’t expected to carry the load this soon. Denver brought in veteran JK Dobbins during the offseason, and for a while, Dobbins looked like he was on track to have a monster year. But a foot injury sidelined him seven weeks ago, and since then, it’s been the RJ Harvey show in the Broncos’ backfield - and the rookie has delivered.
In Week 17, Harvey added another highlight to his growing reel, catching a touchdown pass in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs. That score didn’t just help seal a big divisional victory - it etched Harvey’s name into NFL history.
With that touchdown, Harvey became just the sixth rookie running back in league history to record at least five rushing and five receiving touchdowns in their debut season. That’s a rare feat, and the list he joined is full of legends and game-changers:
- RJ Harvey
- Ashton Jeanty
- Alvin Kamara
- Gale Sayers
- Charley Taylor
- Doak Walker
That’s not just a list of productive rookies - that’s a list of players who made an immediate and lasting impact on the league. And Harvey’s name is now right there with them.
Through 17 weeks, Harvey has racked up 863 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns, averaging an efficient 4.9 yards per touch. His projected numbers for the full season?
- 188 touches
- 917 yards
- 13 touchdowns
Now, let’s be clear: Alvin Kamara’s rookie campaign back in 2017 was electric - 1,554 yards on just 201 touches with 13 touchdowns. That’s a level of efficiency and explosiveness that’s tough to replicate.
But Harvey matching Kamara’s rookie touchdown total? That’s significant - especially considering Kamara’s role in Sean Payton’s offense in New Orleans.
And guess who’s now coaching Harvey in Denver? That’s right - Sean Payton.
It’s not hard to see the parallels. Payton knows how to get the most out of dynamic, dual-threat backs, and Harvey is showing flashes of that same versatility Kamara brought to the table. The Broncos have leaned on him more heavily than expected, and he’s responded with poise, production, and a nose for the end zone.
Looking ahead, the Broncos’ backfield picture will be one to watch. JK Dobbins was productive before the injury, but durability has been an issue throughout his career. Harvey, meanwhile, might be best suited in a 1A/1B setup - a shared backfield that keeps him fresh and maximizes his impact.
Whether Denver decides to bring Dobbins back or look elsewhere for a complementary back, one thing’s clear: RJ Harvey is the real deal. He’s not just filling in - he’s carving out a role that could define the next era of Broncos football. And if this is just the beginning, Denver fans have every reason to be excited.