Sean Payton pledges to continue dialing up plays for Marvin Mims Jr.

The second-year pro finally made an impact in the team’s offensive plans in their Week 11 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Head Coach Sean Payton vowed they are still trying to find creative ways to utilize the former Oklahoma standout.

When the Denver Broncos moved up for Marvin Mims Jr. in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were getting a dynamic offensive weapon and a player capable of being a threat as a returner on special teams.

Broncos Country saw glimpses and flashes of how special he was as a rookie. Mims Jr. made the Pro-Bowl as a returner last season. However, after a strong start to his initial campaign as a receiver, he was missing in action from the team’s offensive game plans during the second half of the season. That trend continued into his sophomore campaign with a myriad of other receivers seeing significantly more snaps than him.

That caused a lot of fans across Broncos Country to label him a bust and lose hope in him as a player. Though those reactions might be a bit unwarranted.

Through 11 games, he has only played in 23-percent of the team’s offensive snaps. But last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Mims excelled as a returner and was utilized in a myriad of fashions. In the slot, in pro sets as a running back, and as a player in motion—Head Coach Sean Payton found creative ways to get the second-year player involved.

He provided a spark for the Broncos’ offense. His speed and agility on the field are undeniable. Moreover, his skillset is truly unique compared to others in Denver’s youthful and talented receiver corps. After yesterday’s practice, Payton spoke to the media and vowed to continue dialing up the plays to get Mims involved in Denver’s offensive endeavors.

“We’re trying to create something. We’re trying to utilize some things that he does well,” stated Payton. “You see him do certain things in the return game that lead you to believe he can do certain things in the running game.”

It’s important to remember Mims was one of the best producing wide receivers in Texas high school history and was a standout with the Oklahoma Sooners. He had a Day 2 grade by most NFL teams for a reason. He was a very good prospect with dynamic playmaking ability.

While some fans might be down on his overall performance through just over a season in a half, it’s important to have patience and realize that sometimes prospects take a while to hit their stride.

If the past two weeks are any indication, the Broncos believe they have a certain x-factor in Mims that can keep defenses on their heels. I applaud Payton’s efforts in drawing up unique plays to get him involved. Though I do hope they can continue to diversify his usage, so it doesn’t seem too predictable when he is on the field. That’s something Payton understands and remarked he will continue to be diligent in playing to his strengths as the season rolls along.

“I think we always have to be saying, ‘Are doing everything we can to highlight his strengths?’ I don’t know if he’s got the ‘Joker’ tattoo, but he might be invited to the club.”