Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is in for a potentially sizable role increase in Year 2.
Stuck behind Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton last year, Mims' chances on offense were few for the second-round pick. He generated 22 catches on 33 targets for 377 yards and one touchdown.
With Jeudy gone and Sutton not attending voluntary offseason workouts as he seeks a contract adjustment, Mims has had a chance to show off his potential in Sean Payton's offense.
"I've said this, and I'll say it again: We were as much responsible for, I don't want to say holding him back, but you're trying to get snaps with Jerry Jeudy, with Courtland," Payton said Thursday when asked about Mims, via the team's official transcript. "I think we'll see a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2. He's tough. He had a really good play today."
The Broncos used Mims as a returner last year, and with the new kickoff rules, he's likely to play a role in that area again, but following the Jeudy trade, there are opportunities as an every-down player. Getting Mims' speed on the field will be key for the Broncos offense with rookie Bo Nix expected to run the show.
"We know he's a good returner," Payton said. "We felt that was one of the strengths obviously that we saw on tape. But we saw transitional speed, we saw the things that you need to have at that receiver position. So I don't think it was his development as much as, and I don't want to say a crowded room, but just trying to create enough touches for those guys. Now we have a room, and we have a lot of young players. Size is certainly something you see at the receiver position right now. I'm anxious as we go through this process to watch these guys. This first half of these OTAs has gone really good, I mean really good. I told them that. I like the energy. I feel like we're younger, and you kind of feel that at practice."
Currently, the depth chart features Sutton, free-agent addition Josh Reynolds, Mims, fourth-rounder Troy Franklin, Brandon Johnson, and oft-injured Tim Patrick atop.
Sutton's situation is interesting. If Payton sees enough growth from Mims, Franklin and Johnson, could the Broncos eventually trade the veteran before the deadline simply to open snaps for younger players?
For now, Mims, who reportedly had a good early portion of workouts, focuses on his own improvement.
"It starts on the practice field," Mims said. "If I take care of my business out here, (it will translate) to the game."