Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin fighting for a roster spot
The Denver Broncos are going to have to make some difficult decisions. Rookie minicamp and OTA offseason workouts are another step toward the start of the regular season. With cuts happening throughout these next few weeks, fan favorites could be leaving and longshots could fulfill their dream of being on an NFL roster. UDFAs and […]
The Denver Broncos are going to have to make some difficult decisions.
Rookie minicamp and OTA offseason workouts are another step toward the start of the regular season. With cuts happening throughout these next few weeks, fan favorites could be leaving and longshots could fulfill their dream of being on an NFL roster. UDFAs and rookie minicamp tryout invitees are doing all they can to make an impact.
Another example of this is that of Jaleel McLaughlin who is an undrafted rookie running back fighting to make his way to the 53-man roster. Sean Payton, once again, may have found a diamond in the rough.
McLaughlin is quite literally a college legend. The Broncos hopeful has the unique distinction of setting the NCAA All-Division career rushing record with 8.161 yards.
Splitting time between Notre Dame College and Youngstown State, he had a different path than most due to the COVID pandemic and gaining an extra year of eligibility. Put plainly, this record very well may never be broken.
Sean Payton and the Broncos' front office were actually able to outbid several teams who had shown interest in McLaughlin. Clearly, the front office saw something special and wanted to see if he had what it takes to make an impact in the NFL.
McLaughlin will have to beat the odds in order to make the 53-man roster, but crazier things have happened. The Broncos organization knows all too well that an undrafted running back from a small school has the ability to make a huge impact. Phillip Lindsey did so just a few years ago.
Surprisingly, the Broncos organization as a whole has the uncanny ability to find talent in the UDFA pool. Specifically, when Lindsey made the 53-man roster, it was the 14th UDFA to make the Broncos roster in the previous 15 years.
Who are the UDFAs the Broncos signed in 2023? See below:
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin
- RB Emanuel Wilson
- DB Devon Matthews
- CB Darrious Gaines
- CB Art Green
- LB Seth Benson
- OLB Thomas Incoom
- OLB Marcus Haynes
- DL PJ Mustipher
- DL Sione Asi
- OL Demontrey Jacobs
- OL Alex Palczewski
- OL Henry Bird
- TE Kris Leach
- TE Nate Adkins
- WR Taylor Grimes
- WR Dallas Daniels
Who did the Broncos invite to try out for their rookie minicamp? See below:
- QB Judd Erickson
- QB Ben DiNucci
- QB Hunter Raquet
- RB Jacques Patrick
- WR Josh Johnston
- WR Nick Williams
- TE Dangan Rienks
- TE Tommy Hudson
- OL Gray Davis
- OL Warren Ericson
- OL Isaac Cochran
- DL Demetrius Taylor
- DL Christian Mejia
- DL Momar Fall
- DL Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi
- OLB Trrent Harris
- OLB Chris Whittaker
- LB Bo Calvert
- DB Marquel Broughton
- DB Stephan Blaylock
- DB Nick Ciccio
- LS Jack Landherr
- K Jared Sackett
Any of the above names making the 53-man roster will immediately ascend into the fan-favorite territory. Everyone loves a Cinderella story, let's see what happens.
