Sean Payton has revitalized the Denver Broncos, yet the question remains: Can he elevate the team from a 10-win season to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs? The answer is unclear, highlighted by the striking fact that no Broncos running back has surpassed 100 rushing yards in 35 games under Payton. Despite this, the Broncos made strategic draft choices, focusing on long-term potential rather than immediate needs, selecting players like Pat Bryant and Sai’vion Jones. For the Broncos to excel this season, running back RJ Harvey needs to achieve at least 850 rushing yards and tight end Evan Engram must be a consistent presence on the field.

Additionally, the Colorado Avalanche face the Dallas Stars with a reminder that pretty goals won't suffice; they must be tactical and gritty to win. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders finds himself in Cleveland, where his performance will determine his future. He must cut distractions to thrive as a potential starter for the Browns.

The Denver Broncos have finally made a strategic move to enhance their running back corps, selecting RJ Harvey from UCF with the 60th overall pick in the second round of this year's draft. While Harvey brings strong rushing skills, his receiving capabilities require further development to meet the modern demands of an NFL running back.

Head coach Sean Payton has emphasized the need for a versatile 'joker' back or tight end with elite receiving skills, hinting at potential roster adjustments. One viable candidate is Travis Etienne Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars, who has demonstrated his prowess as a receiving back but faced challenges with inside rushing. With a reasonable fifth-year option of $6.7 million, the Broncos could acquire Etienne at a bargain price, potentially trading a sixth-round pick.

In the latest Broncos Mailbag, Parker Gabriel addressed fans' queries regarding the recent NFL draft decisions made by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos opted for Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas, with the 20th overall pick, despite speculation they might trade down. General Manager George Paton confirmed the possibility of a trade, with Denver evaluating offers as the clock ticked down. However, they ultimately chose to select Barron, positioning him well within their defense alongside established players like Pat Surtain II.

Fans also raised concerns over other draft picks, particularly running back R.J. Harvey and wide receiver Pat Bryant, questioning whether they could have waited on these selections. Gabriel defended the picks, suggesting that Harvey likely wouldn't have been available later in the draft and indicated that Bryant's selection aligns with their immediate needs for offensive production.

RJ Harvey is set to make his NFL debut as the new starting running back for the Denver Broncos after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft. With an impressive collegiate career at UCF, where he rushed for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, Harvey is more than ready to tackle the challenges ahead. He expressed sheer excitement about joining the Broncos and is focused on helping the team return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015.

In his own words, Harvey stated, "My main goal is to come in there and do whatever I can to help Denver win, make the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl." As he prepares to report for rookie minicamp, fans eagerly await his first appearance during training camp this summer, where he will showcase his skills and begin to forge his place in the storied franchise.

The Denver Broncos made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting running back RJ Harvey in the second round. Harvey's performance at UCF was impressive, as he accumulated 1,577 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns in his final season. At 5-foot-8 and 207 pounds, his compact stature is complemented by a playing style that fits well within head coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme.

Field Yates, an ESPN analyst, praised Harvey as one of his favorite running backs leading up to the draft, indicating that he could be a vital addition to the Broncos' backfield. With Bo Nix slated to start as quarterback, Harvey is positioned to step into the RB1 role, especially after the team lost Javonte Williams in free agency. Harvey's ability to adapt and thrive in this offensive system could be a game-changer for Denver's overall performance this season.