Aaron Rodgers' ex-teammate dubs Broncos' RJ Harvey as "Bucky Irving" of 2025 NFL season

The Denver Broncos picked RJ Harvey with the No. 60 selection in this year's NFL draft. Harvey was not the top-rated player in his position and was eventually selected by Sean Payton in the second round.

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert believes Harvey could have a similar impact as Bucky Irving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year.

"RJ Harvey is my Bucky Irving this season," he wrote on X. "Crazy good fit and he has the skill set to EAT behind that O-Line"

Benkert signed with the Atlanta Falcons after going undrafted in 2018. He also spent one season with the Green Bay Packers, where he was teammates with Aaron Rodgers.

Bucky Irving, meanwhile, rushed for 1,122 yards last season and was a major reason why the Bucs won their division.

Sean Payton will hope Harvey can have a similar impact if the Broncos are to kick on to newer heights in the 2025 NFL season and dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC West.

RJ Harvey will have chances to prove himself with Broncos in 2025

The Broncos made the playoffs last season, but the running game was supported by a rotating cast, with no player distinguishing himself as a primary starter over the other. With Bo Nix showing glimpses of his talent, a more supportive running game behind him must have been seen as a priority before the NFL draft.

RJ Harvey will likely get his chances from the very beginning to show that he belongs in the big league. In the AFC West, he will be going up directly against Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty in their divisional matchups.

The Las Vegas rookie was the first running back off the board and is seen as a generational talent. However, being drafted earlier is no guarantee of success in the NFL. For example, last year Jonathon Brooks was the first running back selected by the Panthers, but he did not even crack 100 rushing yards. Conversely, Bucky Irving absolutely dominated in the same division.

With a stable offensive line, a good quarterback, and a Super Bowl-winning coach to lean on, Harvey has every opportunity to succeed.