Marvin Mims Jr. was the No. 2 wide receiver for the Denver Broncos last season. While he should be in for a similar role this year, ESPN's Bill Barnwell is calling him the NFL's best "gadget player" ahead of the 2025 season.
Barnwell makes sure not to downplay his ability as a true wideout, but noted Mims' talent as a punt returner.
"Like many gadget players from years past, he adds value on special teams: He was the league's first-team All-Pro return man in 2024, averaging an NFL-best 15.7 yards per punt return," Barnwell said.
The third-year wideout is heading into 2025 after playing a more crucial role down the stretch of the season, particularly from the slot.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) runs through the tackle of Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
According to Barnwell, Mims average 0.8 yards per route run as an outside receiver last season, but like many gadget players he was better from the slot. There he had 5.5 yards per route. That helped him to an NFL best 4.4 yards per route among all players that ran more than 80 routes from Week 11 forward.
But Barnwell does not think that is a sustainable recipe for Mims' success, nor does he think it has to be.
"As a player who can get the most out of the many bubble and swing screens he runs, show enough speed to threaten linebackers and safeties vertically, and serve as a high-end return man, he doesn't need to average 4-plus yards per route run to be valuable," Barnwell said.
With the Broncos looking for a true second go-to receiver to emerge next to Courtland Sutton, Mims has the potential to serve as one of the best gadget players in the league while racking up some major yardage at wideout.
