Marvin Mims Jr. is ready to fly.

Despite his rookie season ending with a Pro Bowl appearance, Mims is certain he could’ve done more as a wide receiver in 2023. He had a few deep catches sprinkled throughout the fall. But overall, there was a lot left on the table, and his 377 receiving yards showed it.

In Year 2, Mims — a second-round pick from Oklahoma — might get his wish for an extended role. And he’s not the only one.

Denver’s success this fall will be dictated to some degree by a handful of unproven players, including Mims. If they can meet the moment, the Broncos will have a different outlook for this season and the future.

“That was my whole plan this offseason,” Mims told The Denver Post. “Just to grow offensively and to be able to do it (will be) a real confidence boost.”

Part of having a young team is letting less established players spread their wings. Last season, head coach Sean Payton gave the 2023 rookie class a short leash — akin to a college coach redshirting a freshman.

It hasn’t been much different to start 2024. When the Broncos released their first depth chart of the preseason in August, Payton put all of the rookies at the bottom.

“Rookies are at the back of the line,” the head coach insisted.

Early in 2023, Mims had a two-game stretch in which he looked like he could have a major role on offense. He recorded 113 receiving yards on two catches against the Washington Commanders. In the Broncos’ loss to the Dolphins in Week 3, he had three catches for 73 yards. Over the final 13 games, however, he registered just135.

Even though Mims was the only Bronco pass-catcher to hit 100 yards in a single game, he had fewer offensive snaps (384) than wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey (428). He also had just 33 targets, fewer than tight end Adam Trautman (35) and running backs Jaleel McLaughlin (36) and Samaje Perine (56).

Payton took the blame for holding back Mims even though the 22-year-old flourished as a returner. The former Saints coach admitted that the coaching staff had difficulty finding opportunities for Mims because he and Jerry Jeudy played the same position. After Jeudy was traded to the Browns in the offseason, the door has now opened for Mims to be more involved.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of growth with this player,” Payton said. “He’s tough (and) can run. We’re certainly excited (to) have him. Every time we put his name on a certain play, he (didn’t disappoint).”

While Mims is eager to further showcase his skills as a wideout, fellow second-year players JL Skinner and Riley Moss are determined to become key pieces on defense. Skinner played only one defensive snap as a rookie, but his playing time at safety is likely to increase in 2024 after the departures of Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns. Meanwhile, Delarrin Turner-Yell is recovering from a torn ACL, which he suffered near the end of last year.

Moss, a third-round selection, has a chance to go from being used primarily on special teams to a starter at cornerback. The Iowa product has spent the offseason program and training camp in a heated competition to determine who will start opposite cornerback Pat Surtain II on defense.

“I love the game of football and (playing) cornerback,” Moss told The Post. “I’ll go wherever need be, but at the end of the day, I want to get some cornerback reps and make a difference.”

Moss played only 23 defensive snaps in his first season, but the team is confident he can make an impact in 2024. Payton praised Moss for his athleticism and speed, allowing him to keep up with opposing wide receivers.

“At Iowa, they played a lot of quarters, and his eyes were inside a lot. But you saw his hips and movement skills,” Payton said. “To see him now in some of the other defenses maybe that you didn’t have film on in college, I’d say his technique is good. He’s long and has really good instincts. There are some instinctual things he does exceptionally well.”

If the Broncos want to see which players are going to be a part of their long-term vision, it’s time to letthe young guys get their hands dirty and see how they stack up.

The young and hungry Broncos ratcheted up the energy at training camp. With players fighting for roster spots and increased playing time, there is excitement around the facility.

A year after being reluctant to throw unproven players into the NFL fire, Payton and the Broncos may not have a choice but to rely on them this fall.

“Being young is not bad,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “It’s a new start for the Broncos, and we’re excited about it.”

Rookie snap counts

Here’s a look at last year’s rookie class and their snap count from 2023. There’s a chance for some of the players to have increased roles in 2024. Mobile users, tap here to see the chart.

Source: Pro Football Reference

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Originally Published: August 30, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.