Jaleel McLaughlin's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has reportedly looked more explosive during offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has praised McLaughlin for his speed and explosiveness. It certainly appears that McLaughlin could earn himself a bigger role next season. However, he still has to compete in a crowded backfield with Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime. McLaughlin might be able to earn more snaps, but it probably won't be anything that will raise his draft stock by much.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (head) was photographed participating in OTAs on Thursday, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. The pass-catching back came on strong late in his rookie campaign last year, but he's still expected to face firm competition in the form of Javonte Williams and Audric Estime, to name a couple. Adding extra faces to this backfield complicates the matter and drops McLaughlin to a depth role, making him a reasonable target at his ADP of 163. Fantasy managers will find extra solace in the fact that he's healthy and ready to go for the season.

Denver Broncos running backs Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin "will face a challenging battle to maintain their roles this offseason," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Javonte Williams. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.

Denver Broncos rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin (head) suffered a head injury early in the 27-14 Week 18 loss to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and never returned. The 23-year-old finished the final game of his rookie season with just four carries for six yards. He was not targeted at all in the passing game before his unfortunate early exit. McLaughlin's first NFL campaign ends on a sour note, but it shouldn't take anything away from what was an impressive year for the undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State. He impressed in training camp to make the roster and then surpassed Samaje Perine on the RB depth chart midway through the year. McLaughlin entered Week 18 with a 5.6 yard-per-carry average and three total touchdowns in 16 games. With both Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine heading into the final year of their deals in 2024, McLaughlin will most likely serve in a change-of-pace role yet again in Year 2.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (head) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-year-old was in line to see more work in Week 18. However, he never had a chance to get anything going, so he'll finish with four carries for six yards. McLaughlin had bouts of promise throughout the 2023-24 campaign. However, he'll end the year with three touchdowns. It's possible he could get more work next season. But as long as Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are on the roster, it will be tough for the rookie to stay consistently involved.