RJ Harvey has established himself as one of the top running back prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Following a stellar season at UCF, Harvey’s name has been steadily rising in draft discussions as teams search for versatile, game-changing players to elevate their offenses. With eye-popping stats that include 232 carries, 1,577 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a jaw-dropping average of 6.8 yards per carry, Harvey has demonstrated his ability to take over games. While there are questions about certain aspects of his skill set, his upside and explosiveness are undeniable.
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At the heart of Harvey’s appeal is his exceptional athleticism and unique ability to create plays where others might struggle. Few running backs in this class can match his combination of elite lateral quickness and explosive jump-cut ability. Harvey has an uncanny knack for making defenders miss in the open field and even in congested areas. This skill allows him to turn seemingly hopeless situations into positive yardage, consistently keeping his team ahead of the chains.
Another staple of Harvey’s game is his remarkable contact balance. At 5’9” and 208 pounds, he combines a compact build with a low center of gravity, enabling him to absorb contact and bounce off defenders. His ability to keep his feet moving through traffic allows him to extend plays and generate additional yardage even after initial contact. This trait, coupled with his natural instincts, makes him a reliable option on every down.
Harvey’s blazing speed sets him apart from his peers. His 4.41-second 40-yard dash time places him in the 91st percentile among NFL prospects, underscoring his rare ability to accelerate past defenders and turn routine plays into highlight-reel moments. Whether he’s weaving through traffic or outrunning safeties in the open field, Harvey’s speed makes him a constant threat to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.
Another aspect of Harvey’s game that scouts admire is his vision and patience. He excels in zone-blocking schemes, where his ability to set up blocks and find cutback lanes is a critical asset. Unlike many college running backs, Harvey possesses an advanced understanding of how plays develop, showing an innate feel for when to accelerate through holes or bounce runs outside. This vision, combined with his patience, makes him a highly effective runner who maximizes every opportunity.
One of the most exciting elements of Harvey’s skill set is his versatility. He’s not just a threat as a runner; his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game. With soft hands and the ability to run crisp routes, Harvey projects as a three-down back in systems that prioritize versatility. His dual-threat capability makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses, which increasingly value running backs who can contribute as receivers.
Finally, Harvey has proven himself as a durable workhorse. Over the course of his 2024 season, he consistently handled a heavy workload while maintaining efficiency and explosiveness. His ball security also stands out as a major strength, Harvey rarely has lost the ball even in high-pressure situations. This combination of durability and reliability enhances his value to NFL teams looking for a dependable back.
While Harvey’s strengths make him a compelling prospect, there are legitimate concerns that could temper expectations about his immediate impact at the next level. The most daunting among these is his size. At 5’9” and 208 pounds, Harvey’s frame falls below the NFL average for running backs. This raises questions about his ability to withstand the physical toll of an NFL season, when faced with the punishing hits delivered by professional defenders will he stand strong or crumble.
Pass protection is another area where Harvey will need significant improvement. His lack of size and strength is evident when he’s tasked with picking up blitzing linebackers or absorbing pressure from defensive linemen. Too often, he struggles to anchor effectively, leaving quarterbacks exposed in obvious passing situations. For Harvey to earn significant playing time on third downs, he will need to refine his technique and improve his ability to handle complex blitz packages.
Additionally, Harvey’s tendency to dance behind the line of scrimmage can sometimes lead to negative plays. While his elusiveness is a major asset, there are instances where he hesitates too long or tries to create something out of nothing rather than attacking the hole decisively. This indecision can result in lost yardage, a habit he’ll need to address as he transitions to the faster pace of the NFL. Not every play can be a big gain, take what you can get before costing the team!
Another concern is his limited experience as a feature back in a Power 5 conference. While his production at UCF was impressive, some evaluators may question whether his dominance will translate against NFL-caliber competition. His lack of short-yardage power also raises doubts about his ability to consistently convert in critical situations, such as third-and-short or goal-line scenarios.
Harvey’s skill set is tailor-made for modern NFL offenses, particularly those that emphasize creativity and explosiveness. His ability to thrive in space, coupled with his receiving prowess, makes him an ideal fit for teams that utilize zone-blocking schemes or prioritize spreading the field. Offenses that employ a committee approach at running back could benefit greatly from Harvey’s ability to change the game with just one touch. Pairing him with a powerful workhorse such as Josh Jacobs in Green Bay would be a killer duo.
His immediate role will likely be limited to that of a change-of-pace back or rotational piece. His struggles in pass protection and concerns about his durability may prevent him from becoming a bell-cow back in his career. Still, Harvey’s potential to develop into a more complete player is clear. With the right coaching and system, he has the tools to overcome his limitations and carve out a significant role in the NFL.
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Given his strengths and weaknesses, Harvey is expected to come off the board on day three of the draft. His eye-popping 40-yard dash time will undoubtedly generate buzz during the pre-draft process, but teams will weigh his big-play ability against his size and pass protection concerns. While he may not hear his name called in the early rounds, Harvey’s upside makes him a potential steal for the right team.
In the right system, RJ Harvey could develop into one of the more dynamic weapons in the NFL. His elite speed, vision, and versatility make him a player worth watching, and his ability to outplay his draft position is a testament to his talent and work ethic. For teams in need of explosiveness in their backfield, Harvey represents a high-upside option who could become a cornerstone of their offense in the years to come.