The Denver Broncos revamped their running game to help quarterback Bo Nix, and they did that in two ways: first, drafting RJ Harvey, and then signing veteran J.K. Dobbins in free agency. Despite early hype around the Harvey, Dobbins could lead the way.
The Broncos selected Harvey with the No. 60 overall pick of the 2025 draft.
However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Dobbins’ experience will appeal to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, saying “don’t be surprised” if that “bold prediction” plays out.
Dobbins, who has earned $9 million in his career, signed a one-year, $2 million “prove-it” contract with the Broncos in June. His arrival has already led to the Broncos shaking up their RB room, and it could sort out their pecking order quickly.
J.K. Dobbins Predicted to Lead Broncos’ Backfield Early
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The Broncos like second-round rookie RJ Harvey a lot, but he’s still working on his pass-protection skills, and it sounds like Denver trusts Dobbins more in that department. That’s a requirement for a running back in a Sean Payton offense. If Dobbins can do everything the Broncos need there (and Harvey can’t quite yet), I would expect Dobbins to open the season as the team’s main early-down running back with Harvey mixing in a good number of touches,” Graziano wrote on August 27.
“As the season goes along, could Harvey take on more of a starter’s workload? Of course, and that might even be the team’s hope. But at least to start the season, expect Dobbins to get the majority of the work.”
Notably, all seven of Dobbins’ preseason snaps were pass plays, per Pro Football Focus.
Dobbins, a second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, turns 27 in December. He rushed for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns on 195 carries in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers.
He also added 153 yards on 32 receptions.
All of those numbers set career highs for Dobbins, whose biggest drawback is his injury history, which remains a significant hurdle for himself and the Broncos to clear. That could be the opportunity that Harvey needs.
Broncos Shake Up RB Room
GettyAudric Estime #23 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dobbins and Harvey’s arrivals signaled a training camp battle that resulted in the Broncos cutting 2024 fifth-round draft pick Audric Estime in favor of ex-Ravens sixth-rounder (No. 196 overall in 2022) Tyler Badie.
“The decision meant moving on from Estimé, whom the team drafted in the fifth round just last season and who still doesn’t turn 22 until next month. It is a mildly surprising move in the macro sense, given the potential Payton made clear still exists with Estimé. However, the Broncos were drawn to the versatility showcased in camp by Badie,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote on August 26.
“The focus now quickly shifts to whether this new quartet — but particularly Dobbins and Harvey — can show signs early in the season that the running game is on an upward trajectory.”
“I see a special player in him. And he’s gonna help me out, I’m gonna help him out. It’s gonna be great.”
Estime landed a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
Dobbins and Harvey will get the first opportunities to prove the Broncos have the right mix in the running back room. That room now lacks the kind of physical presence that Estime will now provide for the reigning champions.
‘Bold Prediction’ Looms Large for Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins After Shakeup