18 of the past 19 years an undrafted rookie has made the Broncos active roster
Denver Broncos undrafted running back Jaleel McLaughlin has an uphill battle (no pun intended) to make the roster. With that being said, he has history on his side. The Denver Broncos are one of the very best teams across the entire NFL in finding diamonds in the rough. Specifically, they have had unprecedented success in […]
Denver Broncos undrafted running back Jaleel McLaughlin has an uphill battle (no pun intended) to make the roster. With that being said, he has history on his side.
The Denver Broncos are one of the very best teams across the entire NFL in finding diamonds in the rough. Specifically, they have had unprecedented success in undrafted rookies making the active roster.
In 18 of the past 19 years, an undrafted rookie has gone on to make the team's season-opening roster, Mike Klis from 9News reported. Some of the bigger names, as Klis reported, Broncos fans may remember. Jamal Carter Malik Reed, Andre Mintze, Jalen Virgil and of course, Philip Lindsay are some of the bigger names.
The trend of undrafted rookies making the season-opening roster is one that McLaughlin hopes will continue, at least for one more season.
McLaughlin shined in college, setting the NCAA All-Division career rushing record with 8,161 yards. Previously, he had split time between Notre Dame College and Youngstown State before going undrafted and then being picked up by the Broncos. His legendary status may never be broken, as McLaughlin had a different path than most due to the COVID pandemic and being granted another year of eligibility.
McLaughlin should like his chances not only because of the unique history of the organization and undrafted rookies, but Sean Payton and the front office actively outbid several teams who showed interest in the talented running back.
With camp set to resume shortly, and the running back room already crowded as it is, McLaughlin has his work cut out for him. Javonte Williams is looking to return by week one, the team spent a decent chunk of change to bring in Samaje Perine, and he'll be competing with the likes of Tyler Badie.
In the wise words of Jim Carrey, so you're telling me there's a chance?
Here are the Broncos' undrafted rookies who have a financial commitment from the team
- Taylor Grimes, WR
- Marcus Haynes, OLB
- P.J. Mustipher, DT
- Nate Adkins, TE
- Art Green, CB
- Seth Benson, LB
- Demontrey Jacobs, OT
- Henry Byrd, G
- Alex Palczewski, T-G
- Thomas Incoom, OLB
- Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin fighting for a roster spot
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have been on a roll this offseason. With sky-high expectations and what seems like the entire world watching, it’ll be interesting to see how this move pans out.
Featured image via Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
