Andrew Buller-Russ
Most would agree that the Baltimore Ravens have one of the NFL’s best players in Lamar Jackson. In addition to being an excellent passer, Jackson is one of the most dangerous players in the league with his legs. Jackson’s lethal combination of skills made him the NFL’s MVP in 2019 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the Ravens also have one of the NFL’s best running backs in Derrick Henry, who has topped 1,500 rushing yards in both of his seasons in Baltimore. Combined, Jackson and Henry make up one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. Yet, with how much of a beating both players take on a weekly basis, should the Ravens strengthen the depth behind Henry?
On SI‘s Jason La Canfora believes it’s time for the Ravens to bring in more help at the RB position behind Henry and ahead of Justice Hill. Taking things a bit further, La Canfora believes the ideal trade target is Denver’s Jaleel McLaughlin, who is already familiar with Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
“Could I sell you on a late round pick for Jaleel McLaughlin? He spent two years with Doyle in Denver, he is a grinder who has overcome a childhood of extreme poverty and homelessness, and he received no D-1 offers out of high school but has stuck in the NFL despite being an un-drafted signee in 2023.
La Canfora on Baltimore Ravens RB target
He is adept as a slasher and change-of-pace guy and has sufficient dual-threat ability. Pass pro ain’t great but we talking about low-level Henry insurance, not Hill insurance as a third-down guy. It’s odd how few players on this roster have any prior links to Doyle. This would be an upgrade for a No. 2 RB for me.”
The 5-foot-7, 187-pound McLaughlin would provide a stark contrast from the 6-foot-2, 252-pound Henry. Just 27, McLaughlin’s best season came in 2024, when he recorded 496 yards and a touchdown across five starts in 16 appearances. Last year, his production dipped, playing in just eight games and rushing for 187 yards and a touchdown.
With Dobbins, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman all filling Denver’s depth chart, the former undrafted McLaughlin, who hails from the previous coaching regime, may very well be available. Whether he’d be an adept backup for Henry remains to be seen, but for the low cost of a late-round pick, it may be worth the gamble.
Related: Baltimore Ravens Linked in Potential Trade for New Starting Center
