ENGLEWOOD \u2014 Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin cleaned out his locker in January after a first-round playoff exit with no desire for rest.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was back working that same week,\u201d McLaughlin recalled earlier this month during mandatory minicamp at Broncos Park. \u201cI left a lot out there last year, and I know that. So, I\u2019m working hard to be the best I can this year. I didn\u2019t take much time. Because I had a sour taste in my mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n
McLaughlin flashed his elite skillset at times during the 2024 NFL season.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But the missing piece \u2014 for the entire running backs group \u2014 was a lack of explosive plays. McLaughlin\u2019s longest gain from scrimmage? A 21-yard run against the Saints. Growing that number is his focus in training this offseason.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust turning those 12-yard plays into 80 and 90-yard … touchdowns,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve 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\u2019t catch the ball clean. If I take one false step. So, I\u2019ve been working on the little things, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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)<\/p>\n
Pass blocking is another area of emphasis. Williams, the team\u2019s most physical running back, joined the Cowboys in free agency.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve all been working on it. We\u2019re definitely going to protect Bo (Nix), for sure,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cHopefully, Javonte goes and does well in Dallas.\u201d<\/p>\n
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All three of McLaughlin\u2019s touchdowns a year ago were in the red zone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Five Broncos named to ESPN’s All Quarter Century team<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to do more of that this year. I\u2019m taking pride in it, for sure,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cEvery time my number gets called down there, l want to score. That\u2019s what I\u2019m working to do.\u201d<\/p>\n