The Denver Broncos may have had big plans for their backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft—plans that didn’t quite come to fruition. After finishing in the middle of the league in rushing last season, Denver allowed leading rusher Javonte Williams to walk in free agency, where he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The Broncos responded by signing former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins, a move that raised eyebrows and hinted at a potential draft-day surprise.
Many believed this signing signaled Denver’s intent to prioritize the running back position in the draft—possibly even in the first round. And while the Broncos didn’t take a running back with their first pick, they did select UCF standout RJ Harvey in the second round. But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Denver had their sights set even higher.
Fowler reported that the Broncos strongly considered trading up into the top 10 to snag Boise State sensation Ashton Jeanty, one of the most explosive prospects in this year’s class. “Yes, the Broncos considered moving up in the first round for running back Ashton Jeanty,” Fowler said. “They made calls to teams picking in the top 10. But the cost was simply too steep, and with the Raiders holding the No. 6 pick, a trade was highly unlikely.”
That gamble didn’t pay off for Denver, as the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders made the move themselves—selecting Jeanty sixth overall and effectively closing the door on any potential deal. Trading within the division was never realistic, and with the high asking price from teams in the top 10, the Broncos opted to stay put.
Still, their decision to draft RJ Harvey early in the second round suggests they were always planning to come away from the draft with a dynamic new backfield weapon. While Jeanty may have been their top choice, Denver clearly valued this draft class’s running back talent and acted accordingly once their first option was off the board.
Whether Harvey becomes a star like Jeanty remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the Broncos were ready to go big for the right player—and came close to making a major move on draft night.