WR Marvin Mims Jr. Ready for Bigger Role in Broncos’ Offense
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Following changes in the Denver Broncos’ wide receiver lineup, the team is banking on second-year wideout Marvin Mims Jr. to step up significantly.
After trading Jerry Jeudy, their 2020 first-round pick, in March and with Courtland Sutton absent from the team’s offseason program, Mims is poised to have a more prominent role. Mims, who earned Pro Bowl recognition as a rookie returner in 2023, is anticipated to be much more active and influential in the Broncos’ offense this season.
“If I take care of my business out here, it will show in the games,” Mims said after Thursday’s OTA practice. “I’m looking forward to it, but for now, I’m focusing on handling my business here. When we get to the fall, we’ll get there.”
One perplexing aspect of the Broncos’ offensive struggles last season was Mims’ limited playing time despite his big-play potential. Mims, a second-round pick, frequently created significant plays, with four of the team’s seven pass plays of at least 47 yards. Yet, he played only 384 (38%) of the team’s offensive snaps, ranking fifth among the wide receivers.
“I’ve said this and I’ll say it again, [the coaches] were as much responsible — I don’t want to say holding [Mims] back — but you’re trying to get snaps for [Jeudy] and [Sutton],” coach Sean Payton said. “[Mims] is tough. … We know he’s a good returner. … We saw transitional speed, the qualities needed for a receiver.”
The offseason roster review has created opportunities for Mims. Payton noted that Jeudy and Mims often played the same role in the Broncos’ scheme. With Jeudy traded to the Cleveland Browns, it is expected that Mims will take over many of Jeudy’s snaps.
“It wasn’t about his development as much as creating touches for those other guys,” Payton explained. “Now we have a lot of young players, and I’m eager to see their progress.”
Reflecting on Jeudy’s trade, Mims said, “It’s kind of tough. Jerry looked out for me as a rookie, taught me a lot. But with him going to Cleveland, I wish him all the best. Whatever happens here, happens here.”
With Sutton absent during the voluntary offseason program seeking a contract adjustment, Mims’ importance has become more apparent. Despite the Broncos rotating quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham, rookie Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson, Mims has consistently shown his potential. On Thursday, he made a significant play when Stidham connected with him for a touchdown during team drills.
“Incredible ball … didn’t have to break stride,” Mims said of the play that led many teammates to celebrate with him in the end zone.
Last season, Mims earned his Pro Bowl spot by averaging 16.4 yards per punt return and recording a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. His 22 receptions last season will likely be matched within a month if he and the Broncos’ plans pan out.
“Coming into Year 2, knowing what to expect, understanding the routes, and knowing my role as a receiver, things are going much smoother,” Mims said. “It’s like night and day.”
