ENGLEWOOD — Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin cleaned out his locker in January after a first-round playoff exit with no desire for rest.
“I was back working that same week,” McLaughlin recalled earlier this month during mandatory minicamp at Broncos Park. “I left a lot out there last year, and I know that. So, I’m working hard to be the best I can this year. I didn’t take much time. Because I had a sour taste in my mouth.”
McLaughlin flashed his elite skillset at times during the 2024 NFL season.
The undrafted Youngstown State product accounted for 410 rushing yards on 76 carries. In Week 3 against the Buccaneers, he broke multiple tackles on a 1-yard rushing touchdown around the edge. He also logged 24 catches for 76 yards with two receiving touchdowns. McLaughlin established himself as the No. 2 option behind Javonte Williams and ahead of Audric Estime.
But the missing piece — for the entire running backs group — was a lack of explosive plays. McLaughlin’s longest gain from scrimmage? A 21-yard run against the Saints. Growing that number is his focus in training this offseason.
“Just turning those 12-yard plays into 80 and 90-yard … touchdowns,” McLaughlin said. “I feel like I’ve been doing pretty well with that. … Everybody in the league is good, plays fast and is real smart. That can definitely change a game. If I don’t catch the ball clean. If I take one false step. So, I’ve been working on the little things, for sure.”
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin takes part in drills during practice at NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the team’s headquarters in Centennial, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pass blocking is another area of emphasis. Williams, the team’s most physical running back, joined the Cowboys in free agency.
“We’ve all been working on it. We’re definitely going to protect Bo (Nix), for sure,” McLaughlin said. “Hopefully, Javonte goes and does well in Dallas.”
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All three of McLaughlin’s touchdowns a year ago were in the red zone.
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“I’ve got to do more of that this year. I’m taking pride in it, for sure,” McLaughlin said. “Every time my number gets called down there, l want to score. That’s what I’m working to do.”
Broncos training camp is expected to begin on July 23. The competition for running back carries will be fierce among J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Estime, McLaughlin and a handful of roster hopefuls. McLaughlin will train with Nix in the offseason for preparation.
“I’m going with Bo and them, and I’m getting straight to work,” McLaughlin said. “I’m not taking (any) downtime. I didn’t even take downtime in the offseason, for real. I’ve just been working.”
McLaughlin’s work ethic certainly has the attention of Broncos running backs coach Lou Ayeni.
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“(McLaughlin) doesn’t want to go back to where he was when he was young. That’s why he does all these things to keep him here,” Ayeni told The Denver Gazette in mandatory minicamp. “I love every minute of it. He earns everything he gets.”