NFL Analyst Suggests Broncos' Backfield Will Determine Depth of Team's Offensive Success
The Denver Broncos' backfield in 2025 will be entirely different than its 2024 version. The Broncos were led by Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in 2024, combining for 1,009 yards.
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However, with Williams heading to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and the Broncos' additions of RJ Harvey in the draft and J.K. Dobbins as a free agent, the Broncos' backfield will be headed by the new duo in 2025.
The Athletic's Broncos' reporter Nick Kosmider believes this duo will be the driving force for how successful Denver's offense can be in 2025.
The excitement in Denver around their rookie running back out of UCF is through the roof. Harvey ran for nearly 3,000 yards in his final two years as a Knight and caught an additional 39 passes for 505 yards.
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (37) during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
"Denver drafted RJ Harvey in the second round, and the rookie showcased good hands and crisp route-running ability during the offseason program," Kosmider wrote.
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In his senior year at UCF, Harvey led the Big 12 in yards per attempt, rushing touchdowns, and scrimmage touchdowns.
Dobbins arrives in Denver after collecting 909 yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games for the Chargers in 2023.
Kosmider believes the battle between the two backs could be one of the most intriguing in Broncos' training camp. However, it's likely Sean Payton will use the duo as a two-headed monster in the Broncos' backfield as he's done in his past.
There's a lot of expectation around quarterback Bo Nix in his second season, with the hope that he rises to the occasion. However, Kosmider points out that Denver's offensive ceiling is more centered around the production they get from their backfield duo than Nix's second-year jump.
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Nix can play as well as he wants, but defenses will find a way to stop the pass if the ground game doesn't pick up steam. Vice versa, if the Broncos can't find production through the rushing attack, it makes Nix's job that much more difficult.
The Broncos' offense looks ready for takeoff in 2025, but just as Nix is looking for another year of development, Denver's rushing attack could be the most crucial factor this season.
Related: Broncos Organization Adds New Face Who Was With Golden State Warriors
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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