Broncos Undrafted RB Jaleel McLaughlin Reveals Why He Chose Denver

If you're looking for a compelling offseason feel-good story, Denver Broncos undrafted rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin checks all the boxes. It's pretty easy to pull for McLaughlin, especially when you learn that he pulls into team headquarters each morning at 5 a.m. 

It's that work ethic and drive that make McLaughlin the all-time leading rusher in NCAA history when his Division II stats (Notre Dame College/4,737 yards) and FCS stats (Youngstown State/3,418 yards) are combined. Given the Broncos' notable history in identifying and developing undrafted rookies, it seems to be a proud tradition that head coach Sean Payton wants to continue.

On that note, McLaughlin was locked on to what the Broncos were selling him out of the gates.

"I had it written down in my notebook, different interviews that I had, and the number one thing I had from Denver, 'This was my favorite interview,'" McLaughlin said on Tuesday. "That's what really led me to Denver, and learning under Coach Sean Payton, not only does he teach you about football, but my first three days here, I had a page and a half of just life lesson notes. That's how I knew I was in the right place."

Recruiting undrafted talent like McLaughlin is not that far removed from what it's like to recruit high school kids to college these days, and selling the talented back on Denver got a little bit easier when Payton entered the room. The coaching staff Payton has assembled isn't just leaving things to simple twists of fate; they were determined to intensively coach up McLaughlin.

"Everything happens for a reason," McLaughlin said. "I'm learning under one of the best coaches ever, so that's what I take from it. I'm in a great running back room, Coach Lou [Ayeni], he's a great running back coach. The brotherhood is unbelievable. I think I landed in the right spot, so I'm thankful.

Standing at only 5-foot-7, there are obvious traditional physical obstacles for McLaughlin to overcome in the NFL's land of the giants, but a steely mindset makes him stand much taller. His dogged trait of perseverance was most likely born out of growing up in poverty in Marshville, North Carolina. 

It might lead McLaughlin to the Broncos' opening day roster, and the tantalizing opportunity to get a bite at the lucrative NFL apple somewhere along the line. After having traveled so far on his pro football journey already and in such a short time, he isn't resting on his laurels just yet.

Making constant improvements is just part of what it takes to succeed, as the 22-year-old collegiate record holder sees it, and that might end up securing him a coveted full-time job, with the biggest paycheck he's ever had. 

In preseason Game 2, McLaughlin led the Broncos with two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and 53 scrimmage yards on nine total touches. With three total touchdowns this preseason, McLaughlin is averaging a healthy 5.91 yards per carry. 

"There [were] a couple of plays that I left on the field—everything's not perfect," McLaughlin said of his performance in San Francisco. "Definitely going to work on that this week, and I won't miss those cuts—those opportunities—anymore."