When the Broncos used their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on UCF running back RJ Harvey, eyebrows raised across the league. At 24, Harvey was older than most rookies, and Denver hadn’t yet filled the hole left by Javonte Williams’ departure. Critics saw the move as a reach-another head-scratching draft decision by Sean Payton and GM George Paton.
Then came the selection of Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant. That one didn’t land much better with the draft pundits.
Some questioned whether Bryant would even crack the rotation in Payton’s offense, pegging him as a developmental guy at best. But here we are, deep into the season, and both rookies are proving that the Broncos’ front office might have known something the rest of us didn’t.
RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant Are Turning Heads in Denver
Fast-forward to Week 14, and both Harvey and Bryant have become central figures in a Broncos offense that’s quietly finding its rhythm-and winning games. Harvey has emerged as a legitimate dual-threat back, while Bryant is carving out a role as one of Bo Nix’s go-to targets. For a team that’s pushing for a second straight playoff berth, the contributions from these two rookies couldn’t be more timely.
Let’s start with Harvey. His impact goes beyond the box score.
Yes, he’s scoring touchdowns and catching passes out of the backfield, but what’s really turning heads inside the building is his growth in pass protection. That’s often the last piece of the puzzle for young backs, and Harvey’s already showing he can handle those responsibilities.
He’s running with more confidence each week, and he’s steadily earning the trust of the coaching staff. In a backfield that lacked a clear lead option, Harvey’s rise has been exactly what this offense needed.
Then there’s Pat Bryant. Early in the season, he made his mark as a physical run blocker-earning snaps the hard way.
But lately, he’s been doing a lot more than just clearing lanes. Bryant has become a reliable target for Nix, especially as Troy Franklin’s role has fluctuated.
Whether it’s route consistency or simply a stronger connection with the quarterback, Bryant is seeing more targets and making the most of them. He’s not just filling a role-he’s expanding it.
A Rookie Duo Changing the Offense
What’s interesting about both players is how they’ve stepped into bigger roles for different reasons-Harvey largely due to opportunity, Bryant through steady performance-but the result is the same: they’re making it very hard for the coaching staff to take them off the field.
This Broncos offense isn’t blowing teams out of the water, but it’s doing enough to win. And increasingly, that “enough” is coming from the rookies.
Harvey is helping to stabilize the run game and give Nix a safety valve in the passing game. Bryant is stretching the field and creating mismatches with his size and physicality.
They’re not just filling gaps-they’re becoming foundational pieces.
Payton and Paton’s Draft Gambles Are Paying Off
It’s clear now that Sean Payton and George Paton saw something in these two players that others didn’t. The skepticism around the picks has faded, replaced by highlights and first downs.
Harvey and Bryant are proving that production doesn’t always follow pre-draft rankings. Sometimes, fit and opportunity matter more-and in Denver, both rookies are making the most of theirs.
With the Broncos in the thick of the playoff race, the emergence of Harvey and Bryant couldn’t come at a better time. They’re not just rookies anymore-they’re impact players on a team that’s learning how to win with its next generation of talent.