The Denver Broncos rookie receiver Marvin Mims, selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has showcased solid receiving skills while excelling on special teams in his first two years. As the 2025 season approaches, Mims is ready to elevate his role as a receiver alongside second-year quarterback Bo Nix, fueled by a developing connection between the pair. This evolving rapport aims to build on the momentum following their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Special Teams Star and Emerging Receiving Threat

Marvin Mims has made a significant impact on the Broncos’ special teams, earning Pro Bowl honors in both years and securing All-Pro recognition in 2024 as a return specialist. His versatility as a dynamic punt and kick returner has established him as a valued contributor, but Mims now concentrates on expanding his influence as a receiver. Coming off a career-high 503 receiving yards and six touchdowns, Mims is expected to be Bo Nix’s primary No. 2 target in 2025, aiming to increase his production alongside the young quarterback.

Mims Reflects on Playoff Defeat and Its Motivational Impact

The team’s January playoff loss against the Bills left a strong impression on Mims, who senses that Denver’s potential is just beginning to surface. He reflected on the experience, saying,

“We go to Buffalo. We go up 7-0, we’re feeling good. And then at the end of the game, we get our butts whooped and the season’s over,”

adding,

“I don’t want to say it’s a terrible feeling. But you’re kind of sitting there (and) part of me is like, because I’m young, and I’m going to be here next year, it’s like, ‘Dang, we’ve really got something.’ And then part of the other part of me is like, ‘Dang, we really missed out on an opportunity.’”

—Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

Despite the disappointment, Mims sees it as a catalyst for growth, emphasizing the Broncos’ promising environment:

“But just knowing what you’ve got, the type of program you have, the type of culture you have, you just kind of have that feeling like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be back,

And we’re going to do some special things here.”

—Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

Developing Chemistry Between Receiver and Quarterback

Mims has observed notable improvement in Bo Nix’s confidence and command of the offense throughout his rookie year. The connection between the two has grown stronger, as they synchronize their on-field communication and understanding. Mims shared,

“It’s funny, because towards that (middle) of (2024), Bo was obviously getting more comfortable in the offense. He’s like, ‘Hey, if we get this, if we get that, if you get this, let’s go eyes early, eyes late. Be ready.’ And it showed,”

further explaining,

“Now it’s more of, I don’t want to say him progressing … he’s seeing it differently now. And us kind of going from those routes we did last year to making it more broad to other routes, too. And just understanding what he’s seeing and what I’m seeing, what I’m feeling, what he wants.”

Mims acknowledged the strong connection formed last season:

“But the connection was definitely there last year. And we’re just going to keep trying to grow and spread across the room. Because I think, especially with Bo, he knows what he wants. He knows what he sees. The quarterback coach is the pass game coordinator (Davis Webb), so they’re talking all the time. And it’s going to be a lot better this year. I’m looking forward to it.”

—Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

Team Unity and Culture Shift Under Sean Payton’s Leadership

Following the playoff exit, many Broncos players, including Mims, remained in Denver during the offseason to work on their chemistry, even taking group vacations to strengthen their bonds. This camaraderie aligns with the broader cultural transformation underway under head coach Sean Payton, who champions a competitive and hungry mindset. Mims emphasized the renewed energy:

“Sean (Payton) is going to have a competitive team regardless. He said it last year a bunch of times: ‘Young and hungry is dangerous.’ That’s something we were last year, and we felt it. We could feel the energy,”

and added,

“So we’re excited to go. I’m excited to go. I’m excited to see what this team can do, even in the preseason, because, I mean, it’s a culture thing … I’m really excited.”

—Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

High Expectations for Broncos’ Playoff Prospects in 2025

With an emerging quarterback like Bo Nix steering the offense, added offensive weapons, and an already formidable defense, the Denver Broncos enter the 2025 season with strong aspirations for a deep playoff run. Mims credits Nix’s growing leadership as a key factor in the team’s trajectory. He described Nix as both serious and engaging, noting,

“It starts at the helm. It really starts with Bo. Bo is the most confident (guy) … we can have a good time too, but he’s so serious. Like when it’s time to do football, it’s time to do football. And everybody feels that. Everybody learns off of him,”

further stating,

“And he’s always the one speaking. It’s not like he’s just there, quiet, with a serious look on his face. He’s up there speaking. So we see that off of him.”

—Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver