The Denver Broncos head into the 2026 NFL season with one of the most intriguing backfield battles in the league, and a recent projection suggests it could spell trouble for second-year running back RJ Harvey.
After a busy offseason that included the NFL Draft, free agency, and trades, the Broncos have built a roster with plenty of firepower. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle headlines a revamped pass-catching group, while the tight end room remains largely unchanged, relying on late-round rookies to compete for snaps. But it's the running back position that has fans and analysts buzzing.
The competition features veteran J.K. Dobbins, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, and rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman. According to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, the projected starter is none other than Dobbins. "RB: J.K. Dobbins," Davenport wrote, noting that Dobbins "will share backfield work with RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman."
If that projection holds, it's more than just a minor setback for Harvey—it raises questions about the value of the 60th overall pick in the 2025 draft. Harvey showed promise as a rookie out of UCF, rushing for 540 yards and seven touchdowns on 146 carries, while adding 47 receptions for 356 yards and five scores through the air. But with Dobbins in the picture, Harvey's path to a featured role looks murkier than it did a year ago.
The Broncos' investment in Dobbins—roughly $16 million over two years—signals their confidence in the veteran, especially after he played some of the best football of his career before a season-ending foot injury last year. That deal, combined with the arrival of Coleman, creates a crowded backfield where Harvey may have to settle for a backup role once again.
While Harvey will still see the field in Denver's rotation, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term role is a far cry from the optimism that followed his solid rookie campaign. For a Day 2 pick expected to develop into a cornerstone, this projection is a reminder that in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed—especially when a proven veteran and a hungry rookie are waiting in the wings.