The atmosphere at Broncos training camp in Englewood, Colorado, was bubbling with energy as rookie running back RJ Harvey showcased his electric potential. A former standout at UCF, Harvey is no stranger to making big plays, evidenced by his impressive college stats — 54 carries of at least 10 yards, and an astonishing 23.3 percent of his rushes reaching that mark, which led all of FBS. His ability to burst through the line was on full display during practice, effectively translating his college success to the professional level.
During a lively session of 11-on-11 drills, Harvey received a handoff from quarterback Bo Nix, immediately demonstrating his explosive speed as he accelerated upfield. If this play had been in an actual game, he would have easily gained 15 to 20 yards, possibly more. Head Coach Sean Payton couldn’t help but acknowledge the play’s impact, noting, “He had a run today that was something,” showcasing just how much Harvey is impressing his coaches as a rookie.
While Harvey is clearly making strides, Payton has pointed out that he still has some areas to master, particularly in understanding pass-blocking responsibilities. “There’s that learning curve for all of those young players,” Payton observed, acknowledging that while the pace of learning varies, Harvey has been performing exceptionally.
As the Broncos gear up for the 2025 season, Harvey’s growth could be pivotal for an offense that is aiming to enhance its rushing capabilities. The focus on creating a more explosive ground game is clear, with Payton emphasizing, “We’ve got to be more explosive in that area,” pointing to adjustments in both scheme and personnel. The addition of new running backs could eventually see the team’s rushing performance take a positive turn.
On the other side of the field, the Broncos’ defense was equally impressive, demonstrating their grit and tenacity. Jonathon Cooper and John Franklin-Myers wasted no time in making their presence felt, combining for an early tackle for loss during the first play of 11-on-11. Their relentless pressure kept Bo Nix on his toes throughout the session, limiting opportunities and forcing several incompletions.
But Nix didn’t fold under pressure. In fact, he displayed resilience and adaptability, connecting with tight end Nate Adkins for a key strike while also finding Evan Engram and wide receiver Pat Bryant late in the action. This back-and-forth dynamic is what Payton believes is essential for the development of the team across the offensive and defensive units. “Iron sharpens iron,” he remarked. Such spirited competition, alongside the intra-team challenges, will cultivate a higher level of performance as training camp unfolds.
In terms of individual performances, second-year linebacker Levelle Bailey capitalized on increased opportunities due to injuries sidelining teammates Alex Singleton and Drew Sanders. Bailey’s active presence was noted with several pass breakups, and Payton praised him for showing marked improvement as he gains confidence heading into his second NFL season. “He looks like an NFL linebacker, too,” he said, affirming Bailey’s growth.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton, fresh off a four-year contract extension, also displayed why he’s a cornerstone of the team. He maneuvered effectively through traffic to haul in a pass down the seam, demonstrating his ability to create space and secure substantial gains. “We’re getting a player who’s still young,” Payton commented on Sutton’s attributes, underscoring his reliability and leadership.
Additionally, second-year player Audric Estime made a noteworthy impression with an impressive run, followed by a challenging catch out of the backfield, showcasing the depth and potential in the Broncos’ running back room.
There’s no question that this training camp is setting the stage for a fiercely competitive season ahead, with rookies and veterans alike working hard to earn their spots and contribute to what many hope will be a resurgent Broncos offense.
