Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims believes the Broncos special teams unit could be a hidden gem this upcoming season, especially with the NFL implementing new rules on kickoff that aim to keep that element of the sport in the game.

Denver Broncos looking to excel under new kickoff rules

Mims met with the media following Denver’s first acclimation practice of training camp. One area Mims excelled in last season was in the return game, where he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl and was selected as an Associated Press’s second-team All-Pro.

Last year, Mims averaged 26.5 yards per kick return on 15 attempts, including a 99-yard touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. His vision and speed are beneficial traits for Denver’s return unit, and his production in that department, which was impactful under the old return rules.

With the new kick return rules being implemented this season, Mims has a chance to do even more damage.

“It’s been different,” Mims said. “Just with the kickoff rule there’s a lot of unknown things about it. We’ll see what happens in the preseason. It’s been a lot of fun for us because we always try to have a head up on the other teams. Going into the preseason we’ll see a lot of good things and a lot of bad things. We’re just really looking forward to preseason, seeing what other teams do, along with ourselves and how it works.”

The Broncos will get three preseason games to test the new rules before things gear up full speed in the regular season.

Since adding Ben Kotwica and Mike Westhoff last season, Denver has completely revamped their special teams side of the ball into one of the league’s best units and Mims believes the staff will take advantage of the new rules this season.

“Just knowing our coaching staff and how they drew things up last year and what they were starting with today, I think it’s going to be a good play for us,” Mims said. “I think that’s going to be one of our hidden gems this year is the kickoff rule. There’s a lot of getting used to it and a lot of understanding that we [have] to catch up on fast. Just like I said we [have] three preseason games and then we [have] the first week of the season, so we want to know what we’re doing and get there for the first game.”

Not only will Mims have an impact on Denver’s return game, but he’ll likely be in line for a more featured role on offense this upcoming season.