After a couple productive seasons in a depth role to begin his career, McLaughlin fell out of the Broncos' rotation to begin 2025. The undrafted back out of Youngstown State saw action in only two games prior to Denver's Week 12 bye and was on the field for just 14 offensive snaps. McLaughlin found himself back in the mix down the stretch with J.K. Dobbins on the shelf, but he remained firmly behind RJ Harvey in the pecking order for touches. All three RBs are back with the Broncos in 2026, as well as Tyler Badie, and Jonah Coleman was added with a fourth-round pick to further crowd the picture. McLaughlin has some utility as a pass-catcher and change-of-pace option, but he lacks plus physical traits and last year's usage isn't promising. It might take multiple injuries ahead of him on the depth chart for McLaughlin to regain a prominent spot in the offense.