Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was selected in the second round of this spring’s NFL Draft, but for the Denver Broncos – who didn’t have a first-round pick – the team made him their first selection.
As one of the fastest players available, Mims looms as a vital addition to a team that had suffered from years of an inept special teams unit and a 2022 offense that fell flat.
Despite being a rookie, unexpected injuries have propelled Mims into a more significant role for the team. In just two weeks, his involvement has already substantially increased. With the Broncos already facing a challenging 0-2 start to the season, the coaching staff must maximize Mims’ talent and integrate him more effectively into the game plan to bounce back.
Texas High School Football Legend
Mims’ football career began in Frisco, Texas, where he grew up and attended Lone Star High School. His outstanding performance earned him the District 5-5A-I Offensive MVP title in his junior season. Mims followed this with an even more extraordinary senior year, setting a national record with a staggering 2,629 receiving yards on 117 receptions, scoring 32 touchdown catches, and earning the prestigious title of Mr. Texas Football. Mims concluded his high school career with a state record of 5,485 receiving yards.
Amid numerous offers from prestigious schools like Notre Dame and TCU, Mims initially committed to Stanford. However, a change of heart led him to decommit in favor of attending the University of Oklahoma.
Mims joined the Sooners in January 2020 as an early enrollee, making an immediate impact. In his first game at Oklahoma, Mims caught three passes for 80 yards and a touchdown against Missouri State. By the end of his freshman year, he led the team with 37 receptions for 610 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him recognition as a second-team All-Big-12 selection and a spot on the Freshman All-American team.
Unfortunately, Mims’ sophomore year saw a dip in production, prompting him to contemplate leaving OU. He revealed his dissatisfaction to 247Sports, stating, “I just really wasn’t happy with it.” Ultimately, then-head coach Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC led Mims to stay at Oklahoma for his final collegiate season.
Under the guidance of the new coaching staff, Mims experienced a career resurgence. He posted personal bests with 54 receptions for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns. After the 2022 season, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Transitioning to the NFL
Mims showcased his remarkable speed at the 2023 NFL Combine, recording an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. He outperformed all but three of the 42 other receivers. The Denver Broncos traded up in the draft with the Detroit Lions to secure Mims with the 63rd overall pick, gaining the 183rd as well but parting with the 68th and 138th overall selections.
With the Broncos currently sitting at 0-2, Mims has been one of the team’s bright spots. He’s exhibited promise in both special teams and offense. In their most recent matchup against the Washington Commanders, he showcased his speed with a 45-yard punt return and a 60-yard touchdown reception, accumulating 168 all-purpose yards on just five touches. However, he received no targets in the second half.
This performance earned him a nomination for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week.
.@marvindmims is up for @NFL Rookie of the Week!
RT to congratulate him & don't forget to vote » https://t.co/taSbz6Zg3S pic.twitter.com/ZzDC8lWLz6
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 19, 2023
As the Broncos navigate growing pains and prepare to face the formidable Miami Dolphins, Coach Payton and the team must strategize to increase Mims’ involvement on the field. There’s still time to turn the season around, and Mims might hold the key to their success.