The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Denver Broncos, with two of their new rookies already under the spotlight. Jahdae Barron, the 20th overall pick in the draft, has garnered attention from ESPN experts, with Matt Miller and Jordan Reid both predicting him to win Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY). Barron, a standout defensive back from Texas, is expected to make an immediate impact in Denver’s secondary, though the question remains: will he play inside or outside?
Barron’s flexibility is one of the key factors in his projected success. His ability to play both outside and in the slot makes him a versatile weapon for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. With Pat Surtain II anchoring the other cornerback spot, Barron is likely to be tested early in his career, and analysts believe that could lead to interceptions and big plays. The fact that Barron won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back adds to the hype surrounding his potential. Whether starting opposite Surtain or in the slot, Barron’s ball skills should be on full display as he adapts to the NFL level.
On the offensive side of the ball, R.J. Harvey, selected in the second round by the Broncos, has also drawn high expectations. Dan Graziano has picked Harvey to win Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY), thanks to his speed and versatility as a running back. Many have compared Harvey to NFL stars like Alvin Kamara for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield in addition to his rushing skills. Sean Payton, known for quickly integrating early-round backs into his system, may look to Harvey as the solution to the Broncos’ inconsistent running game from last season.
However, Harvey’s smaller frame (5’8” and 208 pounds) has led to concerns about his durability and whether he can be a true three-down back. Still, Payton’s track record with running backs—such as Mark Ingram and Kamara—gives optimism that Harvey could play a significant role in Denver’s offense in 2025.
While some analysts view Harvey as a bit of a reach at No. 60 overall, if he fits well into Payton’s system, he could turn out to be a steal. The Broncos’ offense will need to step up if they want to challenge for the AFC West title, and Harvey could play a key part in that success.
Both Barron and Harvey enter their rookie seasons with high expectations and the chance to become immediate contributors to a Broncos team looking to return to playoff contention.