Broncos 2025 rookie tracker: How Jahdae Barron, RJ Harvey and others performed through Week 5
Broncos general manager George Paton gets credit for building the roster with strong NFL draft classes.
A significant number of the team’s best players — like edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, wide receiver Marvin Mims, quarterback Bo Nix and cornerback Pat Surtain — were all Paton draft picks.
Is the 2025 draft class on pace to produce more key Broncos?
Here is a breakdown for how the latest crop of rookies has performed through Week 5 of the season entering a London game against the Jets.
CB Jahdae Barron — First round, 20th overall (Texas)
Expectations: Barron, the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner, was a ball hawk in college with five interceptions as a senior. But he joined a talented secondary with established starters from the previous season. Barron projected at the nickel, a spot held down by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. The Broncos expected Barron to compete for the starting job with McMillian in training camp.
Reality: McMillian won the job out of training camp and has played 64% of the team’s defensive snaps this season. Barron has played 26%. He’s most often included in dime formations as the sixth defensive back. Barron has the luxury of being developed without the heightened expectations of most first-round picks. He’s proven to be versatile, a reliable tackler in space and physical at the line of scrimmage.
—Barron stats (five games): 10 combined tackles, two passes deflected and one fumble recovery.
—McMillian stats (five games): 10 combined tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one deflected pass.
RB RJ Harvey — Second round, 60th overall (Central Florida)
Expectations: Harvey secured his role as the No. 2 running back in training camp, and the team waived second-year rusher Audric Estime. Harvey had the college game film and physical ability to suggest a breakout rookie season was possible. The biggest hurdle to playing time was pass protection as a relatively small running back (5-8, 205).
Reality: J.K. Dobbins is the lead running back after five games with a clear offensive snap count advantage over Harvey (52% to 31%, respectively). Running back Tyler Badie has also carved out a role on third down and obvious passing situations as a protector and receiving target. Harvey will continue to grow into his role as a change of pass option behind Dobbins.
—Harvey stats (five games): 31 carries for 150 yards / 12 catches for 87 yards and one touchdown.
—Dobbins stats (five games): 77 carries for 402 yards and four touchdowns / six catches for 23 yards.
WR Pat Bryant — Third round, 74th overall (Illinois)
Expectations: The Broncos were deep at wide receiver in training camp and traded Devaughn Vele to the Saints. That suggested more opportunity for Bryant as a similar big-bodied possession receiver who is unafraid to contribute to run blocking. But Nix has ample passing targets in his second NFL season. It was unclear how Bryant fit into the picture.
Reality: Bryant played only four snaps in the season opener. His role has slowly increased since then, playing on 31% of all offensive snaps after five games. Bryant made an impact with two receptions against the Colts. But he’s gone without a catch in four of the last five games. Bryant, as predicted, has been a bright spot as a willing downfield blocker to help spring big plays.
—Bryant stats (five games): Two catches for 18 yards.
DE Sai’vion Jones — Third round, 101st overall (LSU)
Expectations: The Broncos traded up from the 111th pick to draft Jones to join a deep stable of defensive linemen. Jones can learn under Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers, while competing for rotational snaps with Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike. Jones has the tools to someday fill a bigger role on the defensive line.
Reality: Jones has been a healthy scratch in four out of five games this season. He played on six defensive snaps against the Bengals and has yet to register any stats. Defensive lineman D.J. Jones said: “He’s relentless.” But Jones did not play last week against the Eagles. It appears the Broncos are staying patient with his NFL development.
OLB Que Robinson — Fourth round, 134th overall (Alabama)
Expectations: Robinson missed the final four games of his college career with an elbow injury and still managed to set personal bests in tackles for loss (seven) and sacks (four). The Broncos bet on his upside with a mid-round pick to develop behind Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and a deep cast of edge rushers. Robinson was in no rush to make an immediate impact.
Reality: Robinson was a healthy scratch in all five games to begin the season. But it’s possible he debuts against the Jets in London with injured outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (ribs/shoulder) ruled out on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph told reporters in London: “If he has go in and play for us, he’s got traits that we like. He’s practiced well.”
P Jeremy Crawshaw — Sixth round, 216th overall (Florida)
Expectations: Crawshaw was the first punter selected in the 2025 NFL draft. The Broncos last selected a punter in 2016. It felt like a serious investment in a player they envisioned to punt for many years to come. But Crawshaw was uneven in preseason games, and the team altered its practice strategy to focus on live-game situations. But the jury was still out before the season opener.
Reality: Crawshaw has been arguably the most consistent player on the roster. He leads the NFL entering Week 6 with 15 punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Crawshaw might still have rookie lapses at some point this season. But the 24-year-old Australia native has been solid in his Broncos debut.
TE Caleb Lohner — Seventh round, 241st overall (Utah)
Expectations: Lohner is a significant project. He is a former college basketball player who changed to football. He played on just 57 offensive snaps at Utah. Lohner still produced four touchdowns on four receptions. That’s why the Broncos saw potential in the 6-foot-7 and 250-pound tight end. But he did not make the 53-man roster out of training camp.
Reality: Lohner has spent the entirety of this season on the practice squad. It’s where he will likely stay unless the Broncos encounter significant injuries at tight end. Evan Engram and Nate Adkins are both healthy after dealing with injuries previously in 2025. Lohner will continue to develop behind the scenes for Denver.
