RB: RJ Harvey - DEN

2024 Season Summary (College at UCF)

Return to Form & Dominance

• In 12 games, Harvey rushed 232 times for 1,577 yards (6.8 YPC) and 22 rushing TDs, adding 20 receptions for 267 yards and 3 receiving TDs

• Led the Big 12 in rushes of 10+ yards in 2024 and set the UCF record with 48 career total touchdowns

• Over his final three college seasons, maintained an elite avoided-tackle rate (≥30%) and YAC per rush ≥3.5 yards, ranking in the top 10–20% nationally in explosiveness metrics

Skill Breakdown

Measure	Value	Notes
Breakaway Rate	12.2%	Ranked 1st nationally
Yards After Contact	~3.6 YPC	Among top Power‑5 RBs
40‑Yard Dash	4.40 seconds	96th percentile for RBs
Athletic Score (RAS)	~8.5–8.9	Top-tier athleticism

Transition to NFL – Early 2025 Developments

• Drafted in the 2nd round (60th overall) by the Denver Broncos

• Sean Payton and George Paton sought him as a speedy, dynamic, three-down back praised for vision, instincts, balance, and explosiveness

• Broncos have heavily utilized RBs in the passing game—3rd-most RB targets in the NFL under Payton’s system in 2024

2025 Fantasy Outlook

Role & Snap Potential

• First-team reps in the passing game already reported during OTAs and minicamp

• Likely to serve as a “joker”/change-of-pace receiving back behind J.K. Dobbins

• Past Payton tandems (e.g., Kamara/Ingram) stayed highly productive

• Even with snap competition, Harvey’s RB2 upside remains intact—if Dobbins misses time, Harvey has RB1 potential

Target & PPR Ceiling

• Broncos RBs have averaged ~214 targets over the past two seasons (NFL high)

• Harvey’s receiving role could be valuable in full-PPR formats

Efficiency Metrics Translated

• Breakaway rate (12.2%) and YAC (3.6 YPC) support big-play upside

• 4.40 speed and compact frame provide explosiveness and chunk play capability

Risks & Workflow

• Dobbins’ presence limits rushing volume ceiling

• Needs development in pass protection—could reduce early-down snaps early in season

• Slightly older rookie (age 24) but unlikely to impact immediate 2025 outlook

Headliner Take

RJ Harvey enters the 2025 fantasy football season as a dynamic rookie back for the Denver Broncos, following a dominant 2024 campaign at UCF where he totaled over 1,800 scrimmage yards and 25 touchdowns. Drafted in the second round, Harvey brings elite speed (4.40 forty time) and big-play ability, with strong receiving skills that align well with Sean Payton’s RB-heavy passing scheme. While J.K. Dobbins projects as the primary early-down runner, Harvey’s role as a passing-down specialist and change-of-pace option positions him as a high-upside PPR contributor. His ability to create explosive plays and capitalize on Denver’s strong run-blocking unit makes him a viable RB2 candidate, with room for more if injuries or game scripts tilt in his favor.