Broncos’ bold backfield move: Is Sean Payton willing to take risk with inexperienced running backs?

When the Denver Broncos used a second-round pick on R.J. Harvey, eyebrows were raised not just because of Harvey’s electric college résumé, but because of what it revealed about Sean Payton’s high-stakes gamble in constructing the 2025 backfield. With playoff expectations swirling around the franchise, Denver appears ready to enter the season with a group of running backs whose average age barely clears 23. It's bold. It's exciting. It might also be dangerously naive.


Payton, no stranger to building dynamic offenses, is going full-tilt into a youth movement at one of football’s most punishing positions. Harvey joins a backfield alongside Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson—none of whom have logged significant NFL mileage. The combined NFL experience of this entire running back group? Less than some veterans tally in a single season.
R.J. Harvey may turn out to be a gem, but relying on him as a key piece immediately is risky. McLaughlin, despite showing flashes of explosiveness, has fewer than 200 career carries and isn’t built to shoulder a full workload. Estime has power but struggled with ball security as a rookie. Badie and Watson? Practice-squad level talent at best.
What’s even more puzzling is the absence of a steadying veteran presence, something Payton historically values. Think back to his Saints days: Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, all proven backs with NFL wear and tear. So, why the shift in Denver?

Some speculate it's a cap-conscious move. Others believe Payton is betting on fresh legs to outlast opponents in December. But with veterans like J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb, Jamaal Williams, and Gus Edwards still on the market, ignoring that experience could haunt the Broncos come crunch time.
Denver fans have seen this movie before youthful promise that buckles under the weight of injuries and inexperience. A postseason berth may hinge on Payton’s decision to double down on untested talent rather than hedge with a reliable veteran.
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If the Broncos flame out because their running backs can’t hold up, this offseason strategy won’t be viewed as bold, it'll be remembered as the misstep that derailed a playoff push. But in the unforgiving AFC West, the margin for error is razor-thin and the Broncos are flirting with the edge.
Will Payton blink before opening day? Or will Denver be forced to learn the hard way that upside alone doesn’t win games in December?