After rushing for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns at UCF last fall, Harvey figures to serve as Denver's new starting running back. He's eager to take on a big role right away and aims to help the Broncos return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015.

Part of the Broncos' fresh approach to the draft, ever since Payton joined forces with GM George Paton, has been the push to draft high-character individuals and core leaders. That drove much of what the Broncos did in the draft last year when evaluating first-round quarterback Bo Nix, and it's a formula they followed closely in 2025.

Denver may have surprised some fans by drafting UCF’s RJ Harvey, but the explosive running back is quickly winning over Broncos Country — and the coaching staff.