Irish Back’s Vow: Former Notre Dame Star Audric Estime Aims to Haunt Denver Broncos After 2025 NFL Draft Snub

The landscape of the NFL is ever-shifting, a brutal proving ground where careers are forged and broken on the whims of performance, injury, and crucially, draft strategy. For Audric Estime, the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back, the 2025 NFL Draft delivered a stinging reminder of this unforgiving reality. After a quiet rookie season with the Denver Broncos, a year marred by an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first four games, Estime had reason to believe his fortunes were turning. With Javonte Williams, the Broncos’ leading rusher, having departed for the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason, a clear path to a more significant role in Denver’s backfield seemed to emerge for the powerful runner. That optimistic outlook, however, was shattered by the Broncos’ decision to spend a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on UCF star RJ Harvey. This move, a direct challenge to Estime’s perceived ascent, has ignited a fire within the Notre Dame product, who now intends to make the Denver Broncos deeply regret their draft day calculus.

Estime’s rookie campaign in 2024, while limited, offered glimpses of the talent that made him a standout at Notre Dame. In his curtailed opportunities, he managed 310 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry. These flashes, combined with the vacancy left by Williams, fueled the anticipation that Estime would step into a prominent role. He brought a unique, physical brand of running to the Broncos’ roster, a style that, at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, differentiated him from the likes of Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Walton, all of whom are smaller backs on the Denver roster. His collegiate career at Notre Dame was testament to his capabilities, culminating in a dominant 2023 season where he rushed for 1,341 yards and an impressive 18 touchdowns. Estime’s power, combined with underrated footwork, made him a formidable force in the Fighting Irish offense. Adding to his potential upside, Estime is three years younger than the newly drafted Harvey, suggesting a longer developmental runway for the former Irish star.

The selection of RJ Harvey, a 5-foot-7, 200-pound dynamic back from UCF, undoubtedly sent a strong message. Harvey’s college resume is certainly impressive, boasting 3,792 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns over five years, complemented by 720 receiving yards and four scores on 61 receptions. His prolific college career, particularly his 2024 season with 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, marked him as a high-value prospect. For the Broncos, the investment of a second-round pick signifies a clear intention for Harvey to play a major role in 2025, barring injury. This decision, however, directly impacts Estime, who was widely considered to be next in line for increased carries.

The frustration for Estime is understandable. He arrived in Denver as a fifth-round pick in the 2024 Draft, and while not a top-tier selection, the departure of a lead back typically opens a door for existing talent. The Broncos, under head coach Sean Payton, are known for their strategic approach to roster building and their desire for a robust running game. Payton, with his history of utilizing versatile backs like Alvin Kamara in New Orleans, often seeks players who can contribute in multiple facets of the offense. While Harvey brings receiving prowess and a different style, the immediate influx of high draft capital into the running back position, particularly given Estime’s physical attributes, feels like a direct challenge to his standing.

This isn’t merely a matter of one player being upset; it’s a classic NFL narrative of competition and proving worth. Estime now has a colossal chip on his shoulder, a tangible motivation to not only solidify his place on the roster but to outperform the player drafted above him. He possesses a power running style that the Broncos’ other smaller backs don’t, making him a unique asset, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as well as for grinding out tough yards between the tackles. This “thunder” element, if paired with a more elusive “lightning” back like Harvey or McLaughlin, could form a formidable tandem, a potential strength for the Denver offense.

The internal battle between Estime and Harvey promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the Broncos’ training camp and preseason. Every carry, every block, every catch will be scrutinized, not just by the coaching staff but by fans eager to see how this backfield shake-up plays out. For Estime, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that his quiet rookie year was an anomaly, a mere delay caused by injury, and not an indication of his ultimate ceiling. He must prove that the Broncos’ faith, however limited by their draft choice, was not misplaced and that he can be a bell-cow back in the NFL. His ability to impose his will physically on opposing defenses will be paramount, especially if the Broncos aim to establish a dominant run game to complement their passing attack.

The Broncos’ draft strategy, especially under Sean Payton, often targets specific archetypes and skill sets. Their move to draft Harvey might indicate a desire for more speed and versatility in the backfield, especially if they envision a more pass-heavy or outside-zone scheme. However, a balanced attack often benefits from different types of runners, and Estime’s north-south, tackle-breaking style could be a crucial component. The real test will be how Payton and his offensive coordinator integrate these diverse talents and who ultimately earns the lion’s share of touches.

For fans of Notre Dame, this situation is particularly intriguing. They know the grit and determination Estime possesses. They witnessed his consistent production against top collegiate competition and understand the potential he brings. The idea of him being overlooked or supplanted by a newer, higher-drafted back fuels a collective desire to see him succeed and make a statement. His collegiate success was built on a relentless work ethic and a physical running style that wore down defenses. If he can translate that same mentality and physicality to the professional level, and stay healthy, he has every chance to carve out a significant role.

Ultimately, the 2025 NFL Draft decision by the Denver Broncos has lit a fire under Audric Estime. It has transformed a simple depth chart challenge into a personal mission. The former Notre Dame star is now driven by a desire to prove doubters wrong, to showcase his undeniable talent, and to ensure that the Broncos come to acknowledge the potential they already had in their ranks. The upcoming season will not only define the Broncos’ backfield but will also serve as a crucial chapter in Audric Estime’s burgeoning NFL career, a chapter he fully intends to write with power, purpose, and palpable regret for the Denver Broncos.