ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In college, RJ Harvey made his share of big plays.

The UCF product posted 54 carries of at least 10 yards, and 23.3 percent of his rushes — an FBS-leading total — resulted in a gain of at least that distance.

At Broncos training camp on Tuesday, that explosive ability was on display.

Early in 11-on-11 action, Harvey took a handoff from quarterback Bo Nix and cut the ball upfield with a noticeable burst. Under game conditions, Harvey likely would have gained at least 15-to-20 yards — and perhaps much more.

"He had a run today that was something," Head Coach Sean Payton said, "and we kind of turned and looked at each other."

Payton said Harvey continues to learn the intricacies of pass-blocking responsibilities, but he's been pleased with the rookie running back.

"There's that learning curve for all of those young players," Payton said, "and some of it, it happens a little quicker maybe than others, but he's doing exceptional."

As the Broncos near the 2025 season, Harvey could be a significant piece of a Denver run game that's looking to improve. On Tuesday, Payton emphasized the importance of finding more success on the ground.

"We've got to be more explosive in that area, and so we first look at ourselves, the scheme, and are we doing it the way we want to, and then we're looking at who we're asking to do it with," Payton said. "Obviously, we've added some players in the running back room, and we're going to be much improved in that area."

DEFENSE SHOWS ITS TEETH, OFFENSE BATTLES BACK

While the Broncos' offense broke a couple of runs, Denver's defense was largely stingy on Tuesday.

Jonathon Cooper and John Franklin-Myers set the tone on the first play of 11-on-11 action with an early would-be tackle for loss, and Cooper added another shortly after.

Over the course of 11-on-11 action, the Broncos' defense also applied pressure on quarterback Bo Nix to force multiple incompletions.

Nix did show an ability to escape the pressure on multiple occasions, and he battled back as 11-on-11 action continued. He stood in the pocket to deliver a strike to tight end Nate Adkins, and he also added late completions to tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Pat Bryant.

Undoubtedly, though, the Broncos' defense posed a difficult challenge for Nix and Denver's offense. That competition, Payton said after practice, will be critical for the Broncos' development on both sides of the ball.

"Listen, I think there's that iron sharpens iron," Payton said. "I just finished talking about these physical practices and the necessity of what we're building and how we go about doing it. And I think it's fantastic, because it's a back and forth. There's going to be some days coming off this field that you guys will feel like one side of the ball maybe [won the day], and that's the ebb and flow of a training camp. But that competition — not only offense and defense, but the competition within the position groups — will bring us to a higher level."

QUICK HITS

… With linebackers Alex Singleton and Drew Sanders battling injuries, second-year player Levelle Bailey received more opportunities on Tuesday. Bailey has been active during training camp with several pass breakups, and Payton has taken note of the young Fresno State product.

"He's had a few good days," Payton said. "Real good days. I think you're getting a player [going] into his second year with confidence. He's in good shape. He looks like an NFL linebacker, too. … I would say I've clearly seen a jump from Year 1 to Year 2 in his confidence."

… A day after signing a four-year extension, Courtland Sutton showed why he's the team's No. 1 receiver. Sutton found space in traffic to haul in a pass down the seam and earn a gain of at least 20 yards.

"We're getting a player who's still young," Payton said of Sutton. "He's smart, he's tough, he's reliable, he excels in a number of areas — and, again, we're getting a leader."

… Audric Estime, the former fifth-round pick entering his second season, also posted an impressive run during 11-on-11 action. He later showed good hands to make a difficult catch out of the backfield.