When the Denver Broncos selected former UCF running back RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it didn’t go unnoticed—especially by new quarterback Bo Nix.
The Broncos had long been pegged as a team in the market for a running back, and their leadership had openly expressed interest in this year’s class. Still, Harvey’s name came as a bit of a surprise, considering the other prospects the team had reportedly been targeting.
So Nix’s question to Harvey’s former position coach Kam Martin, as reported by Luca Evans of The Denver Post, made perfect sense:
“How’s RJ Harvey?”
Harvey didn’t generate as much buzz as some of the other backs in the draft, something his father, Robert Harvey, attributes to limited exposure during the pre-draft process.
“They’re about to find out,” he told Evans. “He’s a monster. He’s not a joke.”
A former quarterback turned running back, Harvey racked up 2,933 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on 458 carries over his final two seasons. In 2024, he led the Big 12 in yards per carry (6.8) and rushing touchdowns (22).
Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr., Harvey’s cousin, didn’t hold back in his praise either.
“They gon’ learn he’s just like his cousin,” Jones said. “He’s Mr. Unstoppable.”
Broncos Were Thorough in Their Evaluation
Broncos head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton both emphasized how much the team valued Harvey throughout the draft process. Paton said Harvey had the best vision of any back in the class and that he was their “pet cat”—a favorite from the start.
Despite not being heavily featured as a receiver under Gus Malzahn at UCF, Harvey still caught 61 passes for 720 yards and four touchdowns in college. Paton sees untapped potential in Harvey’s ability to contribute as a pass catcher, praising his instincts, balance, and explosiveness.
Payton even compared Harvey to NFL stars Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara.
“When we drafted Kamara, he wasn’t the lead back,” Payton said. “But he showed flashes, just like RJ.”
The Broncos were reportedly eyeing Boise State star Ashton Jeanty and even considered a trade up for him. But when that proved unlikely, they shifted their focus. After falling in love with Harvey’s film, they kept their plans quiet, not wanting to tip their hand.
“We saw the film, and it was like, ‘Okay, hush-hush,’” Payton recalled. “When his name started popping up as a riser, we got nervous. But we knew he was electric.”