Selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Marvin Mims Jr., the Oklahoma wide receiver, entered the league as Sean Payton’s first draft pick with the team. The Broncos expected Mims to instantly become an offensive weapon and deep-threat playmaker, but his rookie season fell short of those expectations.
During his first year, Mims recorded 22 receptions for 377 yards and scored one touchdown. Although his offensive production was modest, he earned recognition as a Pro Bowl kick returner and was named a second-team All-Pro return specialist, showcasing his value primarily on special teams. Fans and analysts hoped for offensive improvement in his second season, though the early part of that year offered little evidence of progress.
Midseason Shift Signals Rise in Offensive Role
At the outset of his second year, through the Broncos’ first nine games, Mims was largely underutilized in the passing game, with only 15 targets and seven catches for 56 yards. Meanwhile, other receivers like Lil’Jordan Humphrey and newcomers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin received more playing time, leaving Mims mainly as a premier returner rather than a key offensive weapon.
The turning point came during the Broncos’ initial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where Mims’ involvement increased to four targets and three rushing attempts. Although immediate production did not skyrocket, the increased usage marked a shift in how the Broncos deployed him.
Following this game, Marvin Mims quickly became a dynamic contributor to Denver’s offense. In the following weeks, he recorded his first offensive touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons, surpassed 100 receiving yards versus the Cleveland Browns while scoring again, and dominated against the Cincinnati Bengals with eight catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He capped the season with a two-touchdown performance against the Chiefs’ backup squad.
Statistical Impact During Second-Half Surge
Over this eight-week stretch, Mims tallied 37 targets, converting 32 catches for 447 yards and six touchdowns. Projecting this output over a full 17-game season suggests Mims could deliver around 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. All the while, he maintained his elite status as a return specialist, earning his second Pro Bowl nod and securing first-team All-Pro honors for returns for the first time.
Player Profile and 2024 Season Outlook
Marvin Mims Jr. stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 183 pounds, and is entering his third NFL season at age 23. During the 2024 season so far, he has recorded 39 receptions for 503 yards and six touchdowns, alongside 13 rushing attempts for 42 yards. His special teams contributions include 26 punt returns for 408 yards and seven kickoff returns for 194 yards.
Mims is firmly established as the Broncos’ primary return man, aiming to secure a third Pro Bowl selection and replicate his first-team All-Pro status. He is considered one of the league’s top return specialists and is expected to benefit from the NFL’s recent inclination toward more kickoff returns this season, increasing his opportunities in that role.
Expanded Offensive Role and Versatility
Offensively, Mims has excelled as a versatile “gadget” player, often deployed in space via screen passes, lining up in the backfield for carries, and occasionally stretching defenses as a deep threat. The key question for the Broncos is whether he will transition into a more traditional wide receiver role or continue thriving as a positionless playmaker utilized around the field.
This versatility offers offensive coordinator Sean Payton an intriguing blueprint for game-planning, as Mims is arguably the most electrifying athlete on Denver’s roster. With a deep group of complementary weapons including returning wide receiver Courtland Sutton, veteran tight end Evan Engram, rookie running backs RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant, and second-year wide receivers Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele, Payton has multiple options to creatively deploy Mims.
Anticipation Builds for Marvins’ Expanded Role in 2024
Marvin Mims’ breakthrough in the latter half of last season came at a time when the Broncos’ offense lacked consistent offensive weapons. The rushing attack struggled, tight ends offered limited production, and wide receivers apart from Sutton were inconsistent. Mims emerged as the team’s top playmaker and deep-threat, especially during the Broncos’ postseason push.
With new additions bolstering the offensive roster, including Evan Engram at tight end and rookie talents RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant, Denver’s offense has more depth this year. This allows Sean Payton to employ Mims as a multifaceted weapon, matching him against favorable defensive coverages and scheming opportunities to maximize his impact, much like the “Joker” role in football.
Sean Payton has had the offseason to devise innovative plays featuring Mims, and fans, teammates, and analysts alike expect the explosive wide receiver and return specialist to continue elevating his performance, potentially earning dual accolades as both a top-tier receiver and returner in the upcoming season.