Denver Broncos second-year player came to a harsh realization after his rookie season
Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted free-agent running back from last season, didn't just become a fan favorite overnight. He worked hard at it – but even guys like him come to harsh realizations after their rookie seasons. His journey, from college standout to the Denver Broncos, is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. He's not resting […]
Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted free-agent running back from last season, didn't just become a fan favorite overnight. He worked hard at it – but even guys like him come to harsh realizations after their rookie seasons. His journey, from college standout to the Denver Broncos, is a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
He's not resting on his laurels, though. He's still striving to carry over his college success to his second season, outworking everyone in the process. And, what he learned after last season will help him become great.
McLaughlin is already catching everyone's attention. Sean Payton has said that he is the first one at the facility by an hour, and is the last one to leave. That's the stuff of legends. This is an undrafted free agent from a year ago, and he's really turning heads as he could even challenge Javonte Williams for the starting position.
But, he recently realized that he learned something from his rookie year.
“I didn’t even do half the stuff that I was supposed to do out there," McLaughlin said at the recent home run derby. "I feel like there was a lot that I left out there on the football field, and that’s what makes me hungrier than ever.”
And, for all we know, that could have been why he wasn't getting the snaps we maybe thought he should have. He didn't play a ton, even though he was considered a fan favorite. Then again, when you are coming in as an undrafted free agent, you have to earn everything – nothing is given to you.
But, knowing that he knows that, and that he has realized that, shows the progression he has made within himself. He knows he has a lot to improve on, and the fact that he is very open about it to the last detail says a ton, too. It's a harsh realization watching yourself on film not fix the things you're supposed to fix, but it's a good thing he knows now.
Broncos’ Jaleel McLaughlin given incorrect nameplate before preseason game begins
The Denver Broncos are gearing up to take on the Arizona Cardinals for their first preseason game. Just moments before kickoff, the team was hit with some bad news.
