RJ Harvey Studies Christian McCaffrey, Kenneth Walker and Jahmyr Gibbs to Level Up in Year 2

RJ Harvey flashed big-play speed as a rookie, yet the consistency of a true every-down back never quite arrived. Now the second-year Denver Broncos running back is hitting the film room hard, studying the league’s best to close that gap.

“Just watching more film, watching other guys around the league, watching their film. Watching a lot of film of Christian McCaffrey, Kenneth Walker, Jahmyr Gibbs, guys like that. Just trying to see things that they do on film, trying to help better my game,” Harvey said, via Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan. “In Year 2 in the system, I feel way more comfortable, and it’s only going to get better from where I left off at.”

You can almost hear the quiet determination in those words. With rookies set to report July 22 and veterans following six days later, Harvey is treating every remaining offseason hour like a chance to claim more snaps in Sean Payton’s offense.

Rookie Year Showed Promise and Limitations

Harvey opened 2025 buried on the depth chart behind J.K. Dobbins. In the first 10 games he handled five or fewer carries seven times. When Dobbins suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury, the UCF product stepped into a larger workload. He produced explosive moments—long runs, shifty cuts, and 12 total touchdowns—but the efficiency lagged. Harvey averaged just 3.4 yards per carry over the final seven regular-season games and 3.0 yards per attempt across two postseason contests. His full-season line sat at 146 carries for 540 yards (3.7 average) and seven rushing scores, plus 47 receptions for 356 yards and five more touchdowns.

Those receiving numbers already hinted at a larger future. Payton has long loved versatile backs who can line up in the slot or motion out of the backfield. Harvey’s ability to create after the catch makes him a natural fit for that “Joker” role once made famous by players like Alvin Kamara.

Competition Remains Real

Denver re-signed Dobbins this offseason and spent a fourth-round pick on Washington’s Jonah Coleman. The message is clear: the Broncos prefer a committee. Dobbins still offers the most proven between-the-tackles power. Coleman brings a physical, downhill style that fits the cold-weather grind of a late-season push. Harvey’s path to more touches runs through the passing game and third-down packages, where his vision and hands can separate him.

That is exactly why the film of McCaffrey, Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III, and Jahmyr Gibbs matters. McCaffrey remains the gold standard for route running and yards after contact out of the backfield. Walker’s Super Bowl performance—135 rushing yards and three scores—showed patient vision and decisive cuts at the second level. Gibbs mixes elite speed with the same receiving polish Harvey wants to polish further. Breaking down those players’ footwork, patience, and decision-making gives Harvey a concrete blueprint instead of vague hope.

“Year two in the system, I feel way more comfortable, and it’s only going to get better from where I left off at.”— RJ Harvey

The comfort shows. Harvey has already seen every defensive look Payton’s offense will face. He no longer has to think through the protection schemes or the hot reads. That mental bandwidth frees him to focus on the little things—shoulder lean, plant foot, the subtle hesitation that creates a crease. Those details separate the backs who stay on the field from the ones who rotate out after two series.

Training camp opens for fans July 31 at Broncos Park. The stands will fill with orange and navy, the altitude thin, the expectations high after last season’s deep playoff run. Harvey will step onto that practice field knowing the film work already done. Whether it turns into a true three-headed committee or a clearer hierarchy remains to be seen on the grass. What is already clear is the second-year back’s approach: study the best, then go prove it.