In this series, I will be highlighting my favorite running backs from the 2025 NFL draft class, one current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether or not I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears.
#6: RJ Harvey - ALL-AROUND
Arizona v UCF A speed back with exceptional contact balance and elite vision, Harvey routinely made defenders miss and outraced them to the endzone in 2024.
Photo by Conor Kvatek/UCF Athletics/University Images via Getty Images
I have not seen a list of RB rankings with RJ Harvey as high as he is in this one, and I have zero qualms being “that guy.” Truth be told, he was SUPER close to being one more spot ahead, but conference competition played the deciding factor. Having played at UCF (more like rode the pine,) I have an unabashed bias towards all current and former Knights, but Harvey is the best RB to come out of the University of Central Florida in the programs history, in my humble opinion. The Edgewater (Orlando) native originally began his career at Virginia as a dual threat QB but transferred to UCF seeking more playing time and he found just that. Harvey boasts an exceptional resume with insane production the past two seasons in the Big 12 where he accumulated 2,993 rushing yards, 42 TD (4 receiving) with a ridiculous 6.5 yards per carry with long runs of 80 yards in ‘23 and 92 yards in ‘24. RJ Harvey is a big play waiting to happen thanks to his contact balance, vision, lateral agility, explosiveness, and deep speed. Not too dissimilar to my top back on this list, either, but I digress. The surplus of quality running backs in this draft may lower his stock some, but I would be shocked if Harvey was still on the board past the 4th round and would not be surprised if he went at the end of the 2nd.
Pro Comp: Devonta Freeman
Harvey: 5’8”, 205, 4.40, 1.57 (10yd split), 38” vert, 10’7” broad, 4.34 short shuttle
Freeman: 5’8”, 206, 4.58, 1.66, 31.5”, 9’10”, 4.26 short shuttle
Short in stature with long speed, RJ Harvey and Devonta Freeman may be on the smaller side for RB, but they are plenty big enough to carry the load as a lead back.
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Similar in build and style, both RJ Harvey and Devonta Freeman have made a name for themselves being short and stout backs who are tough to bring down while also possessing great agility and exceptional vision, though Harvey is more explosive with better deep speed. Coming out of FSU, Freeman was expected to be a 2nd or 3rd round selection out of Florida State, but did not get drafted until the 4th round, possibly due to his 40 time which seemed slower than his play time. Either way, Freeman had a very respectable career in the NFL, highlighted by his second and third years professionally, where he had two 1,000-yard seasons (made the Pro Bowl in each) and had 11 rushing TDs each year. That said, I think RJ Harvey has a much higher ceiling and if he is drafted into the right system I would not be one bit surprised if he made the Pro Bowl within his first 3 seasons. Take a look at some clips of each stud back.
Fit for Bears? Yes
Like Tuten before him, RJ Harvey also has homerun ability in both the run and pass game and is adept at bouncing off tacklers. Harvey, especially being spelled by Swift on occasion, would bring some much-needed juice and durability to the Bears' run game and be an instant impact maker. Harvey also ran plenty of wildcat at UCF and I would have to imagine Ben Johnson would get creative with such a playmaker.
What about you? After watching some clips, is #6 too high for RJ Harvey or just about right? Would you like to see him in Chicago?
Bchuk44’s Top 10 Running Backs
10. Jaydon Blue
9. Ollie Gordon II
8. Cam Skattebo
7. Bhayshul Tuten
6. RJ Harvey