Denver Broncos sophomore wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. enjoyed a promising season as a rookie in 2023. With a pathway to the WR2 role in 2024, Mims Jr. should experience a breakout campaign.
The No. 64 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft maximized his opportunities as a first-year contributor. The speedy Oklahoma standout recorded 22 receptions for 377 yards and one touchdown. Mims Jr.'s 17.1 yards per catch were a team-high mark with no other Bronco coming within two yards of that.
Despite the explosive results, the Broncos utilized Mims Jr. as a part-time player. He totaled 384 snaps at receiver, which accounted for just 35.82% of all Broncos offensive plays. That made Mims Jr. their fourth-most snapped receiver, even trailing Lil'Jordan Humphrey (428 snaps).
Mims Jr. was reliable with a playmaker's profile. He averaged a creative 7.1 yards after catch per reception. Denver's quarterbacks enjoyed a stellar passer rating of 105.9 when targeting him in the passing game.
“I think we’ll see a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2.”
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 30, 2024
- Broncos HC Sean Payton on Marvin Mims
(via @CoachspeakIndex)
pic.twitter.com/mshmohSDcE
The Broncos have undergone some major changes at wide receiver this offseason that should see Mims Jr. climb their depth chart. Most notably, Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Jeudy had regularly been Denver's No. 2 receiver. Mims Jr. possesses the best opportunity to fill that vacated role, though there are other challengers.
Courtland Sutton returns as the top-choice wideout. Tim Patrick, who was once a legitimate contributor in this offense, is attempting to recover from devastating and consecutive season-ending injuries. Even Humphrey is also still on the roster, though it'd be disappointing if he out-snapped Mims Jr. for a second straight season.
The Broncos signed veteran receiver Josh Reynolds in free agency. Reynolds recorded 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns for the pass-happy Detroit Lions last season. He started 13 games and posted the best numbers of his career since 2020. He’s a capable No. 2 receiver if Mims Jr. struggles to make that role his own.
General manager George Paton also selected two receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Paton utilized a fourth-round pick on Oregon wideout Troy Franklin, a promising pass-catcher that once had first-round buzz. The Broncos doubled down at the position by drafting Devaughn Vele in the sixth round. Franklin should carve out a role for himself this season.
The biggest hindrance to Mims Jr.'s potential breakout season may be Denver's quarterback situation. The Broncos released Russell Wilson from his contract earlier this offseason, agreeing to take on the biggest dead cap charge in NFL history in the process. Bo Nix was drafted with the No. 12 overall pick to be the eventual franchise quarterback. Former first-round bust Zach Wilson was acquired via trade, and holdover Jarrett Stidham is still competing for the job. It's difficult to envision the Broncos being a pass-happy offense in 2024 no matter who's under center.
Mims Jr. should also continue making his presence felt via special teams. The Frisco, Texas native averaged 26.5 yards per kickoff return and scored one highlight-reel touchdown via a 99-yard return. He was also the primary punt returner and should continue in both of those roles this season, especially given the exciting rule changes on kickoffs that will lead to more advantageous opportunities.
Mims Jr. flashed game-breaking speed as a rookie. Offseason developments mean there should be more targets made available to him on offense. All indications are that Mims Jr. will establish himself as a near-every-down player this season.
