Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Jarquez Hunter

Monday, January 13, 10:50 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was a complete non-factor in the team's 31-7 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday on wild-card weekend. Like most of the season, Denver's backfield was stuck in the mud and couldn't get anything going to control the game, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the team with 43 rushing yards on four carries. McLaughlin, who had been the leader of a committee backfield late in the season, had only two rushing attempts for minus-two yards while catching his only target for no gain. It was a dismal end to the 24-year-old's second season in the NFL. He finished with 113 carries for 496 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and only one rushing touchdown in 16 regular-season games while adding 24 catches for 76 yards and two more TDs through the air. Denver will surely look to upgrade their backfield in the offseason to give more help to Nix in 2025.

Saturday, April 26, 1:07 PM

The Los Angeles Rams selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter with the 117th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter is a physical runner known for his ability to earn extra yards after first contact. He demonstrates good decision-making skills and football IQ, which, paired with his physicality, makes him an intriguing option in short-yardage situations. With that said, Hunter might not be limited to only short-yardage plays; he led the SEC with 6.4 yards per carry last season. He totaled 1,201 yards on the ground and scored nine touchdowns along the way. Los Angeles' young backfield now features Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Hunter.