Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Why Broncos should give this rookie WR a bigger role

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/28/23

Memo to the Denver Broncos: use rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. more since the 21-year-old already looks like the team's best offensive playmaker.

Despite only playing on 48 offensive snaps through three games, the second-round pick out of Oklahoma leads the team in receiving, with seven catches for 195 yards and a TD. Also, he's third in the NFL in all-purpose yards (429) behind New Orleans' Rashid Shaheed (450) and Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (458).

Tough catch by the rook. @marvindmims | : CBS or @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/5NBw5HbXjY
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 24, 2023

Mims Jr. missed some of the offseason program with hamstring injuries, which may explain his limited usage.

"I would say a month ago, it was just a little less defined with him coming off an injury," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in a Wednesday news conference. "But he's doing well."

Clearly, the hamstring issue didn't impact Mims Jr., so Denver should increase his offensive snap count and target him more frequently because he might become the game-changer it needs.

Additionally, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson seems to trust the young wideout since he believes in his upside.

"I'm really excited about what Marvin Mims and what he can do," Wilson said in a Wednesday news conference. "I don't think he has a ceiling. I think the best thing about him is he's always looking for growth."

This Sunday, the Broncos (0-3) face the Chicago Bears (0-3). They need a deep-ball specialist, such as Mims Jr., to exploit the inept Bears defense, which is allowing the league's third-most passing yards (894).

Furthermore, Denver needs a spark after an embarrassing 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. The rookie will provide the juice the team needs if it gives him a more prominent role.

More must-reads: