The Denver Broncos unlocked something with Marvin Mims Jr. in 2024.
He proved he can be one of the most explosive players in the NFL.
And after that breakout campaign, Mims earned a cool bit of recognition. ESPN's Bill Barnwell named Mims the "best gadget player" in the NFL.
"Thinking about the classic idea of an undersized gadget player who moves around the formation to thrive, catches all kinds of passes near the line of scrimmage and creates big plays with the ball in his hands, Mims comes to mind," Barnwell writes. "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."
MORE: Ravens legend announces NFL retirement on his 33rd birthday
Mims wasn't just a gadget guy, though. He made plenty of plays for Bo Nix in the passing game.
"As a receiver, though, Mims was plenty valuable in his own role," Barnwell writes. "After using him primarily on the outside as a rookie, coach Sean Payton moved him around more often in 2024. Mims averaged just 0.8 yards per route run on the outside last season, but that jumped to a whopping 5.5 yards per route run out of the slot and in the backfield, as he proved to be an interesting player when lined up next to Bo Nix."
MORE: Travis Kelce makes big announcement on retirement plans
Barnwell shared an incredible stat: Mims' 4.4 yards per route run from Week 11 on were the best in the NFL for anyone who ran 80 routes or more.
And Mims should remain plenty valuable going forward.
"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 writes.
It's certainly an exciting time for the Broncos' offense, and Mims is a big part of that.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Bengals, Trey Hendrickson at a huge impasse
- Cowboys star named his new baby Texas
- Raiders' ex-star explains shocking retirement at age 31
- Josh Allen gets a wild new feature added for himself in Madden NFL 26
- Commanders' Deebo Samuel 'fat' concern addressed with speed comments
- Patriots star releases his first rap single