Samaje Perine

It was a long, rarely traveled road to the NFL for undrafted Denver Broncos rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin. At 5’7″ and 183 pounds, McLaughlin doesn’t fit the running back prototype. He began his college career at Division II Notre Dame College and finished at FCS Youngstown State, neither school known for producing NFL players. Going undrafted and signing with the Broncos as a rookie free-agent isn’t a path to success either. Now McLaughlin finds himself as the 3rd string backup to Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, and he will be on the sidelines, ready to go, when the Broncos host the Las Vegas Raiders in their 2023 season opener.

McLaughlin impressed coaches and teammates enough in training camp to make the 53-man roster. “I’ll tell you what, man, he’s been the star of this camp,” said Broncos OT Mike McGlinchey. Head Coach Sean Payton was free with the accolades, as well. “He passed every test. From the minute he showed up in rookie minicamp, it wasn’t too big. Then he’s working out with the big boys on varsity and it wasn’t too big. Then we get the pads on and he makes plays every day.”

Barring catastrophe, McLaughlin likely won’t contribute in fantasy, but he sure is a fun story.