With Broncos training camp kicking off this week, all eyes will be on the quarterback room—but the most competitive battle might be forming just behind it. Denver enters camp with a deep, if unsettled, group of running backs headlined by a fascinating competition between J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey. And while neither enters as the projected starter, both could play critical roles in shaping Sean Payton’s vision for the Broncos’ backfield.

J.K. Dobbins: Proven Efficiency, Fresh Start

J.K. Dobbins enters camp not only as the most accomplished back on the roster, but also as the most intriguing. After an injury-marred few seasons in Baltimore, Dobbins was given a one-year opportunity by the Chargers last season to prove he could still produce—and he did just that in limited work. Over the final five games of 2023, Dobbins averaged over 5.2 yards per carry and looked increasingly like the player who dominated in 2020 before his ACL tear.

The Broncos are banking on that version showing up in camp. With familiarity in Payton’s style of offense and a vision-friendly zone-blocking scheme, Dobbins has a chance to carve out a lead role—if his body holds up. If he can stay healthy through August, there’s little doubt he’ll make the 53-man roster. But that’s a big “if,” and Denver is preparing accordingly.

RJ Harvey: The Sleeper Who Could Surprise

While Dobbins brings experience, RJ Harvey brings unknown upside. The undrafted rookie out of UCF has quickly become one of the most talked-about names entering camp, and for good reason. Harvey rushed for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns last season in Orlando and showed strong vision, balance, and a violent running style that projects well to the pro level.

Harvey’s advantage is that he’s fully healthy and hungry. He’s already flashed during rookie minicamp and OTAs with his footwork, pass-catching ability, and decisive running. While he’ll need to prove he can handle blitz pickups and pro-level reads, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be a factor by the end of camp. If he continues to build momentum, Harvey could challenge for RB3—or even RB2—sooner than expected.

Don’t Forget the Rest

While the Dobbins vs. Harvey storyline will dominate headlines, they aren’t alone. Samaje Perine enters as the steady veteran presence likely to open as RB1. His pass protection and receiving skills keep him valuable on third downs, especially as Bo Nix continues to develop under center.

Javonte Williams, once projected as the franchise back, now finds himself in a prove-it year. His explosiveness post-injury looked inconsistent in 2023, and with Dobbins and Harvey pushing for touches, Williams’ role is far from guaranteed. This camp could determine whether he stays on the roster or becomes a potential trade candidate by the end of preseason.

Then there’s rookie Blake Watson and second-year back Tyler Badie—two versatile, high-effort backs with camp buzz of their own. Watson in particular has the tools to carve out a special teams role and contribute as a change-of-pace option if injuries strike.

The Outlook

This week’s practices will be the first real test in separating contenders from camp bodies. Dobbins has the inside track based on pedigree and recent form, but Harvey has real juice—and a clean slate. Meanwhile, Payton’s offense is likely to feature multiple backs in varying roles, meaning this isn’t a winner-take-all battle, but rather a sorting of strengths.

Ultimately, the Broncos are building a running back room by committee, but don’t be surprised if RJ Harvey forces his way into that committee faster than anyone expects. Training camp starts this week, and the battle is officially on.