Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin, No. 38.
Before the Broncos: McLaughlin dominated at the Division II and FCS levels in college. After starting his college career at Notre Dame College (Ohio), McLaughlin later transferred to Youngstown State. He finished college with 8,155 career rushing yards, setting an NCAA record. McLaughlin also rushed for 79 touchdowns in five seasons.
After running a 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds at YSU’s pro day, McLaughlin was “widely expected to be drafted” last spring, but his name was not called during the 2023 NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Denver signed McLaughlin as a college free agent last spring and he went on to make the 53-man roster. The speedy running back totaled 570 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns as a rookie.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. McLaughlin was an ideal third-string running back for the Broncos last fall and it would be a big surprise if he did not make the team in 2024. In fact, McLaughlin might be poised to have a bigger role in Year 2 after being praised by coach Sean Payton this offseason.
