The Denver Broncos made some excellent moves to trade back twice from the 51st pick to the 60th moving up double-digit spots in both the third and fourth round, while also picking up an additional fourth round pick. All that and they still ended up drafting a playmaker at running back in UCF’s RJ Harvey.
Some say he was drafted a little early, but there is no denying he’ll figure into the Broncos’ offense in big ways next season. Sean Payton got his guy. Here is what our Mile High Report staff had to say about the pick.
Scotty Payne: A little earlier than I thought Harvey would come off the board but that’s okay. Highly productive runner who has SPEED, big play ability and a nose for the end zone. He has a chance to be a stud behind the Broncos OL and in Sean Payton’s offense.
Chris Hart: RJ Harvey was a productive collegiate runner that excelled on inside zone concepts and as a receiver out of the backfield, but he wasn’t in my top 10 ranked backs due to being 24 years old, having a prior ACL tear, and some minor fumble concerns. The consolation in all this is the Broncos getting better picks by trading back a few times.
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RJ Harvey highlights
NFL Draft Profile: UCF running back RJ Harvey
Sadaraine: I’m surprised by the pick of RJ Harvey as there were a few names I thought would go before him. That being said, this player is a guy that Sean Payton obviously sees as a true offensive weapon. He’s the fastest back in the draft (4.4 – 40) and can catch out of the backfield. The guy is a home run threat for the offense and is a very productive back. This is talent at a position of need for the Broncos. I dig it.
Adam Malnati: Well, he’s an athletic RB. I would guess that most fans are scrambling to do some research about who RJ Harvey is. Darren Sproles was the name that everyone mentioned after the pick was made. If he can be what Sproles was, no one will bat an eye.
Ian St. Clair: Based on his production and style of play, I’ll trust the Broncos brain trust on this. The fact Harvey is a threat as both a runner and receiver obviously appeals to Payton. It’s another weapon for Nix and the Broncos offense, so I’m down and like the pick. In terms of injury concerns, Denver has the best health and training staff in the NFL.
Jeff Essary: Patience, vision, and burst all show up on tape for Harvey and he had A+ production. I’ve said that I don’t really have a preference who we walk away with from the middle rounds as long as it’s a bunch of offensive weapons – so one down.
What do you think of the Broncos second round pick? Share in the comments section below.
