Broncos May Favor 2024 Pick Over Rookie RJ Harvey to Start Week 1
Throughout the offseason, the Denver Broncos emphasized their desire to add a versatile offensive playmaker — a so-called “joker” — capable of contributing heavily in the passing game from the backfield or tight end position. They took steps toward that goal by signing tight end Evan Engram in March and drafting running back RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick in April.
Though Harvey isn’t yet known for his receiving prowess — he never surpassed 270 receiving yards in a single college season — his athleticism and potential suggest he could evolve into a key dual-threat option for Denver.
However, in Bleacher Report’s projected Week 1 starting lineups, Harvey was left off in favor of second-year back Audric Estime. Estime, a fifth-round pick in 2024, showed promise late last season and is currently seen as the frontrunner to start. That said, analyst Matt Holder still expects Harvey to see action, noting that head coach Sean Payton often uses a running back committee.
Before the draft, Bleacher Report’s scouting team projected Harvey as more of a complementary RB2 in schemes like inside zone and duo. They praised his patience and vision but pointed to a lack of top-end speed and explosiveness on the perimeter as potential limitations to becoming a featured back.
Despite the cautious scouting report, history shows that draft position doesn’t always determine a running back’s success. Several mid-to-late round backs, like Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in 2024, emerged as standouts. Whether Estime holds onto the starting job or Harvey takes it over as the season progresses remains to be seen.
