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McLaughlin welcomes challenge of mixing in with No. 1 Broncos offense

Small, but fast and strong, Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin figures to have bigger role in his second season.

DENVER — Between the Bo Nix Watch and knee injury to rookie Audric Estime’, attention to the Denver Broncos’ running back competition was somewhat shaded during the Denver Broncos’ offseason program.

This allowed Jaleel McLaughlin to quietly slither from the back of the running back line to the front. But he did wind up at least sharing the front through most of OTAs and the minicamp practices.

“Running with the 1s is a total change of speed,’’ McLaughlin said Wednesday evening from Coors Field, where he was participating in the UCHealth Home Run Derby. “The defense is challenging me. So, yeah, it’s been great.”

When McLaughlin wasn’t taking the day’s first handoff and using his speed to burst through the right side, he was catching passes and returning kickoffs. A “Joker” type running back is what McLaughlin can become. He handled the role in a limited amount last year as an undrafted rookie who made the 53-man roster and played in all 17 games.

It’s almost certain his role will expand in 2024 but at 5-foot-7, 187 pounds there is question whether he could handle a No. 1-type workload.

“You know, I’m going to continue to do my job and work hard,’’ McLaughlin said. “Whatever helps the Denver Broncos win, that’s my role.”

Small, maybe, but also strong. McLaughlin had 107 touches last season – 76 rushing attempts (5.4 yards per carry) and 31 catches – and did not fumble once.

During the Home Run Derby that benefitted veterans through the Next Chapter organization, McLaughlin carried himself like a starting running back. His ball cap was on backwards. He wore dark shades throughout the event even as the field was covered in the shadows of the setting sun. And he flashed his ever-present megawatt smile.

“A stud,’’ quarterback Jarrett Stidham said as McLaughlin walked by in search of batting gloves. “Just a stud. Works hard. Works super hard. Great kid.”

Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) takes part in drills during an NFL organized training activity on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Almost every day, McLaughlin and newcomer veteran safety Brandon Jones are the first players to arrive at the Broncos’ practice facility to get a workout in. McLaughlin started this habit as a rookie last year. First one in. Last one out.

His routine?

 “I start off with my ladder and footwork drills outside on the turf,’’ he said. “Then I go in, I work on my hip mobility. Do a little bit of running. And that’s what I’m doing day by day.”

Head coach Sean Payton informed the other day that running backs shall not be judged until the pads come on. So the Broncos’ running backs competition will start getting its necessary attention in training camp and the preseason.

But based on the shorts-jersey-and-helmet OTAs and minicamp, McLaughlin and Estime’, who is expected to be recovered by the start of training camp next month, could be considered frontrunners for two of the Broncos’ three running back spots.

Such a scenario would leave returning veterans Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Tyler Badie and rookie Blake Watson competing for the other spot. A spot that could be anywhere from the No. 1-lead role (Williams) to third-down role (Perine) to Joker role (Watson), depending on how Payton decides to assemble his three-man position.

Credit: AP
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin takes part in drills during NFL football practice at the team's headquarters Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

McLaughlin doesn’t get caught up in who goes where. He is a positive-minded, friendly type who has nice things to say about all his rushing mates.

On Javonte and Samaje: “Those guys are great. Those guys are looking really, really good. Man I can’t wait. I’m excited for the season to be alongside those guys, it’s going to be a great year.”

On Watson, who could be considered McLaughlin most direct competitor as he is a smallish, speedy type with good hands: “He’s great, man. He’s really good. Pass catching. Smart. He’s got a big future.”

So how does McLaughlin think the 2024 Broncos will fare?

“I think we’ll see,’’ he said. “We’ll see more in training camp and as the season goes along. But right now I think we’re looking really great.”

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