Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton made it no secret this spring that he was going into the offseason seeking at least one “Joker” for the offense.
Payton described that role as a tight end or running back with exceptional receiving skills to create mismatches for the offense. Denver found a free agent tight end who fits the role in Evan Engram. It’s to-be-determined if they also landed a “Joker” running back.
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Denver used its second-round pick in the NFL draft to select UCF running back RJ Harvey, who had 20 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns with the Knights last fall. Harvey was not used extensively as a receiver out of the backfield in college, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t capable of such a role.
Still, Payton isn’t ready to hand out any special names for Harvey’s role just yet.
“Good,” Payton said when asked how Harvey has looked as a receiver out of the backfield. “He’s doing well. We haven’t given him his Joker wings or any of that yet, but he’s doing well.”
We’ll get a better idea of Harvey’s receiving threat when the pads come on later this summer and the Broncos begin playing preseason games. Payton has previously hinted that Harvey can be a three-down back, which suggests the rookie will have a role in the passing game. How big of a role remains to be seen.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Fantasy Football: RJ Harvey’s role as a receiver