Bo Nix is attracting attention in Denver as the Broncos adjust their offensive strategy, elevating wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.’s role following tight end Evan Engram‘s fall from the top 10 rankings. This shift is shaping up to be a key storyline as the team prepares for the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, aiming to strengthen their aerial attack and challenge the AFC West.
Last December, Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims Jr. on a remarkable 93-yard touchdown against Cleveland, a play remembered for Mims’s exceptional speed and route running. That play significantly demonstrated Mims’s potential impact. Now, as offseason training activities wind down, Mims is solidifying his position as Denver’s clear number two receiver behind Courtland Sutton. His late-season statistics—32 catches, 447 yards, and six touchdowns in the final eight games—have captured the attention of coaches and analysts alike.
Marvin Mims Jr.’s Rise in Denver’s Receiving Corps
Mims’s raw speed, clocked at an elite 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is complemented by his efficient playmaking ability. With a Pro Football Focus receiving grade near 90 and leading in yards per route run among many top wideouts, Mims is more than just a deep threat; he is becoming a versatile weapon on offense. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been creative with Mims’s usage, employing him in jet sweeps, punt returns, and as a slot receiver to exploit mismatches.
Mims led the NFL with a 15.7-yard average on punt returns last season, emphasizing his value in multiple phases. His chemistry with Nix stands out, exemplified by clutch performances such as an eight-catch, 103-yard, two-touchdown game against Cincinnati, and a pivotal 51-yard reception to force overtime in Week 17. This emerging partnership suggests Denver is seeing more than just potential; they are witnessing consistent production.
The Impact of Evan Engram’s Changing Status
While Mims’s stock is rising, tight end Evan Engram has seen a decline, dropping outside ESPN’s top 10 tight ends rankings after an injury-plagued season. Once a reliable target with 114 catches in 2023, Engram managed only 47 receptions for 365 yards last year due to hamstring and torn labrum issues. The setbacks explain the ranking drop, though executives remain optimistic about his comeback.
“due to regression and resurfaced injuries.”
—NFC Executive to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
Denver views Engram as a strong candidate for revival, thanks to his combination of athleticism and versatility. Coaches are working to maximize his route running skills by moving him between the slot, inline, and wide receiver positions. Sean Payton remarked in June:
“He has real good instincts: awareness, zone, man-to-man… He’s doing well.”
—Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Head Coach
At 30 years old and under a two-year, $23 million contract, Engram’s contract reflects a belief in his health and fit within the offensive scheme. A rejuvenated Engram could pose significant challenges to opposing defenses, especially if Denver’s medical staff effectively manage his recovery.
Bo Nix’s Progress and Denver’s Offensive Outlook
Bo Nix’s rookie season set impressive benchmarks with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. However, his sophomore campaign is expected to hinge on the development and optimization of his receiving corps. With Mims stepping up as a reliable No. 2 receiver and Engram motivated to regain elite form, Nix’s arsenal is becoming richer. This growth is critical for Denver to sustain and boost their offensive momentum.
Additionally, recent additions to the defense, such as safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, faced their own challenges, including injuries that impacted their rankings. Yet, an AFC scout highlighted safety Brandon Jones as “underrated” with “very good instincts,” underscoring the defensive potential if health improves. Denver’s medical team, known for reviving veterans like Justin Simmons, could be a decisive factor in the Broncos’ overall resurgence.
Anticipating Denver’s Competitive Edge in the AFC West
Mims is establishing his reputation through explosive plays rather than mere hype, and Engram is preparing to reassert himself in a system tailored to his skills. Bo Nix, equipped with this strengthened receiving group, holds the keys to an offense with significant upside. Marvin Mims Jr. is quickly becoming a pivotal figure in Denver’s ambitions, potentially the secret to dominating the AFC West this season.
Denver’s strategy to integrate these players effectively reflects a restive but hopeful outlook, with staff and coaching focused on marrying health, talent, and tactical innovation. The view among the Broncos’ camp is clear: building a high-powered offense is a process, but the blueprint is taking shape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What religion is Bo Nix?
A. He is married to Izzy Smoke, who used to cheer for Auburn. Nix follows the Christian faith.
Q. Does Bo Nix have big hands?
A. Bo Nix has large hands, but that doesn’t necessarily make him better at gripping the ball than JJ McCarthy, who has smaller hands.