Mammoth Georgia Bulldogs Linemen Has The Ability To Cure New Orleans Saints Biggest Issue In NFL Draft

Despite his inexperience, this Georgia offensive lineman has all the tools to be an upper echelon blocker.

The University of Georgia football program has flooded the NFL with early draft picks in recent years.
After falling just short of a third straight national championship last season, the Bulldogs have just a few players that are expected to get a lot of attention fairly early in the 2024 NFL Draft.

One of those talents is at a position of tremendous need for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints made an overdue change at offensive coordinator this offseason, bringing in Klint Kubiak along with several new offensive assistants. Kubiak is expected to inject new life into a stale attack and will have some nice weapons.

One tall task facing Kubiak will be rebuilding an offensive line that was abysmal last season. This Bulldog is among a handful of linemen that the Saints may target early in the draft.

Amarius Mims, OT - Georgia; 6'8" & 340-Lbs.

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65)

Credit:© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulldogs won the recruiting battle for Amarius Mims, a five-star recruit out of Bleckley County High School in Georgia. Mims played little his freshman year in 2021 as a loaded Georgia team won it's first national title in 41 years.

In 2022, Mims was a reserve lineman most of the year as a loaded Bulldogs squad rolled to a second straight title. He played a key role during the stretch run as an injury replacement at right tackle during the semifinal and championship games. Mims was the starting right tackle last season, but suited up in just seven games because of ankle surgery.

A mammoth presence, Mims exhibits surprising athleticism for his size. He was a right tackle throughout his collegiate career, but shows the necessary pivot and foot agility to shift to the left side.

Mims maintains his balance and leverage throughout reps, showing above average natural technique that will continue to improve with experience. He has outstanding hand placement and upper body power, allowing him to frequently dominate opposing defenders.

Mims already shows the traits of an upper echelon pass protector. He mirrors defenders with proficiency and his mere stature provides a wall for rushers to get around. His outstanding agility allows him to recover quickly if beaten. He also shows the ability to respond immediately to blitzes, stunts, and help teammates with double-teams.

Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Amarius Mims (65) prepares to block against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2023 College Football National Championship Game

Credit:© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Extreme inexperience is a potentially big concern for Mims. He's only started eight games over his collegiate career. That inexperience could hinder him significantly early in his career, especially against intricate defensive schemes.

As a run blocker, Mims will need to sustain more consistently. He often plays too tall in that capacity, which limits his drive off the ball. He'll also need to take more efficient angles once to the second level of a defense. This can also be evident in space when he pulls or is a lead blocker on screens.
Amarius Mims is one of 7-10 tackles who could earn an early starting role in the NFL.

Joe Alt (Notre Dame), Olu Fashanu (Penn State), and Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State) are likely the first three tackles selected. Mims may be the next one off the board; almost certainly as a first-round pick and perhaps as early as midway through the opening round.

The inexperience that Mims brings with him is a legitimate concern, but he may have the most upside of anyone at the position. For the New Orleans Saints, who have major concerns at both tackles, that upside and immediate ability as a pass blocker may be enough to overlook his lack of starts.