Broncos' Rookie Second-Round WR Sends Message to Russell Wilson
As a rookie wide receiver, it's generally a savvy move to genuflect toward your starting quarterback and show some respect. That's exactly what Denver Broncos' second-round wideout Marvin Mims Jr. did after being drafted, giving props to Russell Wilson on the public stage.
“[Russell Wilson] is one of the great quarterbacks in the game right now, so just to be able to get paired up with him and learn from him—X’s, and O’s, life and little things within the game—is a huge opportunity," Mims said on Friday night after the Broncos traded up into the second round to draft him at No. 63 overall.
Mims didn't leave it at that, though. The former Oklahoma star complimented a couple of different aspects of Wilson's game, one of which lines up perfectly with one of the rookie's strong suits.
“I feel like the deep ball is probably one of the strong points of my game," Mims said. "With his history, his past, the quarterback he is, and him being comfortable throwing the deep ball—that’s a huge thing he does. Just being able to fit that role—whatever my role is when I get there—that will be a huge plus for me and a plus for the team.”
Mims was generally very humble in his first presser as a Bronco, showing respect at multiple points and sharing his excitement and gratitude for being drafted to Denver. For fans still wanting to learn about the 5-foot-11, 183-pound receiver, Mims shared his insight on what he brings to the table for the Broncos.
“My best-known thing is I’m a playmaker," Mims said. "I’m very versatile [and can play] inside and outside. I played both about 50-50 at Oklahoma. I feel like one of my best things is stretching the field and just making big plays out of short routes, intermediate routes, all the different stuff—screen game. I’ve averaged around 19 yards per reception in my career and have been very reliable in the return game. With that stuff, I feel like I bring a lot to the team on different aspects.”
Mims ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing an extra gear as a runner. In his final season with the Sooners, he totaled 54 receptions for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns. The playmaker totaled 1,315 receiving yards combined over his first two years at Oklahoma, with 14 scores.
The Broncos coveted Mims' "elite speed," trading up a few spots from Round 3 to land him. GM George Paton dished on what Mims brings to the table and in so doing, forecasted perhaps how the Broncos see him fitting into Sean Payton's offense.
“You know Mims is young,’’ Paton told 9NEWS' Mike Klis. “He had three years of college. He’s 21 but very smart. He’s a pro. He’s an 'A' worker. He has great football makeup, great football character. All these guys are different. It depends where you come from but we feel good about him. He brings something, he’ll be a great complement to our group. He brings something we feel like we don’t have. He can return punts."
Indeed, circle Mims as the leader in the clubhouse to assume Denver's returner duties, both kick and punt. But, make no mistake: Mims isn't on scholarship as he was in Oklahoma.
"Now he’s going to have to compete," Paton told Klis. "He’s going to have to compete as a receiver. He has elite speed. And he has really good ball adjustment, ball skills.”
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
