JaleelMcLaughlin

News: 5 days agoMcLaughlin rushed seven times for 30 yards and caught two of his three targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts.

Spin: McLaughlin played 19 offensive snaps in the Broncos' preseason opener, the most of any Denver running back. The 23-year-old is entering his second season competing for a spot on Denver's depth chart with fellow running backs Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Audric Estime. McLaughlin has impressed Denver's coaching staff this offseason, though Williams projects as the favorite for early-down work headed into the 2024 campaign. With Perine likely to handle work on passing downs and Estime profiling as more of an early-down back, it may prove difficult for McLaughlin to handle a consistent workload this season.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McLaughlin, the NCAA's all-time rushing leader, impressed the Broncos' brass as an undrafted rookie with a sizzling, four-touchdown preseason. That ultimately earned him a spot in the team's backfield rotation alongside Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. McLaughlin certainly provided a spark, as 12 of his 76 rushing attempts went for 10-plus yards (sixth-best 15.8% rate, minimum 40 attempts), and he delivered a combined 37.3 fantasy points while filling in for an injured Williams in Weeks 4 and 5. McLaughlin should begin 2024 in a similar spot, making him a worthwhile late-round, speculative pick who could be a home-run hitter with an expanded opportunity.