Jaleel Mclaughlin was by far the big winner of Denver Broncos preseason this summer.
The undrafted rookie running back out of Youngstown State led the team with 113 rushing yards on 21 carries (5.38 yards per tote) and led the NFL with four touchdowns in three preseason games. He also hauled in seven receptions for 33 yards.
After his impressive summer, McLaughlin made the Broncos’ 53-man roster and he has caught the eye of NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.
Baldinger shared a short video breakdown of McLaughlin’s performance in Denver’s preseason finale on Twitter (now called X).
.@Broncos @Speedkills2k_ sure looks like FA Gold to me. Straight outta Youngstown!!! Making it look easy #BroncosCountry #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/6mytoWwPWN
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 27, 2023
“Did Sean Payton and the Broncos find [undrafted] free agent gold in running back Jaleel McLaughlin?” Baldinger asks as the video begins. “Because when I watch him run, he knows exactly where daylight is, and he knows how to get there. And he’s got the quick feet to make it happen.”
Baldinger showed examples of the speedy rookie running between the tackles and making plays in space. Nate Tice of Yahoo! Sports also posted a cut-up from some of McLaughlin touches against the Los Angeles Rams:
a cut-up of some of Jaleel McLaughlin's touches against the Rams in the Broncos 3rd preseason game.
can see the tempo that McLaughlin plays with and his vision. He's undersized, but knows how to use that to his advantage when working through the LOS. Plus some receiving ability. https://t.co/XBBOf1tsBf pic.twitter.com/liOa0R8zo0
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 30, 2023
He is a dynamic player, one who will be fun to watch this season.