The Lead

As Jaleel McLaughlin enters his second season with the Broncos, at least one national analyst is taking note.

In a recent episode of “Good Morning Football,” NFL Network's Peter Schrager tabbed McLaughlin among his top 10 breakout players of 2024.

"This is your scat-back, your dream Swiss-Army-knife weapon that you will see Sean Payton use in a lot of ways this year," Schrager said. "You got just a taste of him last year."

After making the Broncos' roster as an undrafted free agent, McLaughlin posted 570 scrimmage yards and three touchdown as a change-of-pace back for Denver. As McLaughlin approaches Year 2, Schrager has even higher expectations.

"Now, with Sean Payton having an offense that he can spend the entire year building and the entire offseason," Schrager said, "I assure you McLaughlin is going to make plays this year that you're going to be like, 'Ah, that little Jaleel McLaughlin did it again."

Schrager even compared McLaughlin to three-time Pro Bowler Darren Sproles, who spent three years of his career in New Orleans. In his first season with the Saints in 2011, Sproles posted a career-high 1,313 scrimmage yards and also posted nine touchdowns.

"Who did Sean Payton love in New Orleans and just throw those little dump passes to and would crush you in special teams? Darren Sproles. This is the Darren Sproles of this team. Jaleel McLaughlin is going to have big plays.

"… He's going to be a breakout player."