Breaking Down the Broncos Roster: Running Back

As the Denver Broncos march through the offseason training program, they'll evaluate every aspect of their roster. This is where the Broncos start to put their pieces together and figure out where each player stands on the 53-man roster. 

Of course, some Broncos are in a spot where they're guaranteed to make it. It could be because of a draft pedigree, contract, or how well they played last season.

As we break down the roster, position by position, in preparation for a 53-man roster projection, we come to the running back position. Running back may be one of the Broncos' more questionable positions because multiple spots are open.

Let’s examine each player, starting with the only running back guaranteed to make the roster. 

RJ Harvey

With the Broncos investing the 60th overall pick on Harvey, he's guaranteed to make the roster. The Broncos need to add more explosive plays out of the backfield, especially in their running game, which is a large part of Harvey’s game. His explosive ability is due to his elite vision and the speed with which he plays. 

Despite being guaranteed to make the roster, Harvey must show progress as a receiver and pass protector throughout the offseason. Those two areas could see him limited as a first and second-down runner.

To be utilized fully on third down, Harvey needs to offer up receiving and pass protection ability; otherwise, the offense becomes predictable. The Broncos have the pieces in place for Harvey to be a great player, but the onus is on him to take advantage of his opportunity and show he can be what the Broncos believe he can be. 

Roster Chances: 100%

Audric Estime

There is no other power back on the Broncos roster, which gives Estime a great shot at making the roster. The only reason he isn’t at 100% is because of the possibility of the Broncos adding a veteran back through a free-agent signing or a trade. Being a 2024 fifth-rounder, Estime wasn’t a high enough draft pick to guarantee him a roster spot. 

Estime has the power to be the short-yardage back Sean Payton loves to have in his arsenal. Estime became that player to close the season and did well in that role.

What held him back for most of the season was how he started, with two fumbles on nine carries, which was followed by an injury. Turning 21 years old in September, Estime still has plenty of potential to become a quality runner, but he'll need to step up as a receiver and pass protector so he isn’t one-dimensional as a player. 

Roster Chances: 90%

Jaleel McLaughlin