The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award is one of the most bet-on futures markets every summer. Sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, bet365, and Caesars all post odds months before the first snap of the season, and sharp bettors start scanning for value early.
This year, one name flying under the radar is RJ Harvey—a 5’8”, 205 lbs running back drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round. A three-star recruit who blossomed into a First Team All-Big 12 star at UCF, Harvey’s blend of toughness, production, and upside makes him one of the most intriguing OROY sleepers.
Let’s break down Harvey’s profile, Denver’s plans, and how his rushing touchdowns, yards, and role could swing betting markets.
RJ Harvey Stats
RJ Harvey isn’t a household name yet, but he has the numbers to make bettors pay attention:
- 1,416 rushing yards in his final college season
- 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023
- Named to the Associated Press First Team All-Big 12
- Compact build (5’8, 205 lbs) made for short-yardage pounding
- Known for his patience and ability to fight through contact
Harvey played as both a traditional handoff back and a change-of-pace weapon. What stood out was his ability to consistently move the chains—even when defenders stacked the box. For a team like Denver that struggled in red-zone efficiency last season, Harvey could immediately become a difference-maker.
Denver Broncos Draft Pick RJ Harvey
The Denver Broncos invested in Harvey with a second round pick, signaling their belief that he isn’t just a depth piece. With Javonte Williams recovering from an injury, Denver needed a durable, reliable running back who could absorb early carries.
In preseason camp, Harvey impressed coaches with his ability to hit the yard line with power. He’s already earning reps with the first-team offense, suggesting he’ll see meaningful game action early.
| Denver RB Situation 2025 | Status |
| Javonte Williams | Returning from major injury |
| Samaje Perine | Depth/third-down option |
| RJ Harvey | Rookie, expected red-zone role |
For Broncos bettors, Harvey impacts not only Denver’s win total, but also touchdown props and rushing yard lines posted weekly.
Rushing Touchdowns
Touchdowns often decide the OROY award—and Harvey has a proven knack for finding the end zone.
| Season | College | Games Played | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
| 2023 | UCF | 13 | 1,416 | 16 |
| Career | UCF | 34 | 2,319 | 23 |
If Harvey posts 8–10 rushing touchdowns in his rookie season, he could crash the OROY conversation even without leading the team in total yards. Bettors looking at longshot futures know touchdowns move odds faster than raw yardage totals.
Associated Press Recognition
Being named First Team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press put Harvey on the national map. Those awards matter—bettors and analysts often use them as signals that a prospect can thrive against NFL-level competition.
Harvey may not have been hyped like top wideouts, but AP recognition shows he was one of the best backs in the nation last year.
Second Round Draft Pick
The Broncos used a second round selection on Harvey, making him one of the highest-drafted RBs of the class. That investment means he’ll be given every chance to succeed.
For bettors, draft position is crucial: second round running backs historically see immediate touches compared to late-round flyers. Denver clearly sees Harvey as more than a rotational back.
Betting Odds: RJ Harvey vs. Other Rookies
Here’s how Harvey stacks up against other top OROY candidates across sportsbooks:
| Player | Team | Strengths | Concerns | Odds Range |
| Caleb Williams | Bears | Franchise quarterback | Rookie learning curve | +850 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | Cardinals | Elite WR talent | QB play inconsistent | +900 |
| Ashton Jeanty | Raiders | Explosive RB, clear RB1 role | Heavy workload risk | +700 |
| RJ Harvey | Broncos | Goal-line, short-yardage role | Touch share uncertain | +3000 |
Bettor’s takeaway: Harvey isn’t expected to outpace Harrison Jr. in highlights or Williams in hype. But in betting markets, opportunity + touchdowns = value, and Harvey’s profile fits.
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (37) runs past San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dallis Flowers (35) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Draft Implications
Why does Harvey matter so much to Denver’s draft? Because the Broncos could have chased WR or OL help, but instead doubled down on the ground game. That tells bettors Denver plans to run often and use Harvey as insurance against Williams’ health.
The Broncos also need a power option late in games. Harvey, with his compact frame, is built for fourth-quarter drives where every yard line matters.
Injury Concerns
While Harvey enters healthy, his usage may increase if Williams missed extended time. Injury questions often create betting value, as a backup RB suddenly becomes a starter overnight.
Broncos bettors should monitor early-season rotations closely—Harvey could go from rotational back to lead option quickly.
RJ Harvey in the Betting Market
Sportsbooks currently price Harvey as a longshot OROY candidate, but longshots cash more often than casual fans realize. Recent history has shown that a surprise running back can steal the award if he racks up double-digit touchdowns and carries his team in clutch games.
For futures bettors:
- DraftKings: Best value on Harvey at +3000
- BetMGM: Markets him in the same tier as other RBs
- Fanatics, Caesars, bet365: Early OROY action keeps him between +2500 and +3500
Final Bettor’s Takeaway
RJ Harvey may not headline ESPN graphics, but he’s exactly the kind of player sharp bettors circle.
- 5’8, 205 lbs running back with goal-line chops
- Second round investment shows Denver’s trust
- 16 rushing touchdowns in his final college season
- Fits a Broncos offense desperate for red-zone efficiency
If Harvey posts 700+ yards and 8–10 touchdowns, his OROY odds could collapse from +3000 into the +1000 range. For Broncos backers, Harvey futures are a low-risk, high-upside sprinkle worth considering.
ClutchBuzz Pick: RJ Harvey +3000 (Caesars) – live longshot with real touchdown upside.
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