As the Denver Broncos kicked off rookie minicamp this weekend, head coach Sean Payton offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the team’s newest additions. With nearly 60 young players in attendance — including seven draft picks and 15 undrafted free agents — Payton emphasized that this moment marks just the beginning of a long evaluation process. Still, the early returns have been promising.
“This is the starting point,” Payton told reporters after two days of on-field work. “The tempo’s been good. The effort is there. It’s always a bit of a challenge when you bring in this many players, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far.”
The Broncos are entering their third year of a youth-focused rebuild under Payton, and this rookie minicamp represents a vital piece in constructing a competitive 53-man roster for the 2025 season. For many of the players on the field, this weekend may be their only opportunity to prove they belong. For others — like second-round pick RJ Harvey — it’s the first chapter in what the team hopes is a significant NFL career.
Harvey, a dynamic running back out of UCF, has already drawn praise from Payton for his football IQ and readiness to adapt to the professional game.
“He’s picked things up quickly,” said Payton. “You can tell it matters to him. That goes a long way in this league.”
Harvey’s explosive running style and fit within zone-blocking schemes made him one of the more intriguing offensive prospects in the draft. However, questions linger about his readiness to contribute in pass protection — a common developmental hurdle for rookie backs. Payton acknowledged the learning curve but pointed to his coaching history with versatile backs like Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara as evidence that the team can scheme around any early deficiencies.
“There’s a lot we can do to put him in positions to succeed,” Payton explained. “He’s going to be on the field on third downs. We’ll tailor protections to match his strengths.”
While it’s far too early to draw conclusions, Payton made it clear that the focus at this stage is on fundamentals — not flashy plays or immediate impact. With limited contact and a heavy emphasis on installation, the goal is to help rookies acclimate to the demands of NFL life, both on and off the field.
“This is their first taste of the full schedule, the training room, the weight room — all of it,” said Payton. “We’re building from the ground up.”
As summer approaches and the intensity ramps up, Payton and the Broncos will get a clearer picture of who can rise to the occasion. For now, the foundation is being laid, and Denver’s newest crop of talent is off to a solid start.
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