Marvin Mims Jr. holds a special place with Sean Payton.
The former Oklahoma wide receiver was actually Payton’s first draft pick as the Broncos head coach. Having lost a first-round pick due to the previous trade for Russell Wilson, Payton and his GM were looking at the second round and the 68th overall pick as their first player.
But a speedy wideout with a penchant for catching the deep ball caught Payton’s eye, and the Broncos traded their 68th and 138th overall picks to the Lions to move up five spots and get Mims.
At the time, some saw the choice as questionable given the number of players at other areas of need being available, such as edge rushers, offensive linemen and tight ends. But Payton wanted a playmaker for his offense, and Mims fit the bill. But it was possibly his return ability that really got him the pick from Payton.
“I remember there were two things we felt… It’s been embedded in me: the quickest way to improve a team is the kicking game and get the offensive line squared away,” Payton said this week after reflecting on the win over the Raiders. “We didn’t have a returner. I remember when we were watching his film, we knew he was a captain at Oklahoma. We knew he was an accomplished receiver, but he was also, we felt, one of the better returners, if not the best returner, in the draft. When you check those vision boxes, the way we were able to with him. ”
In fact, Payton’s first comment following the Raiders’ game Sunday was to point out Mims.
“We got a punt return for a touchdown, that’s significant,” he said.
A lot has changed on the offense since Mims was drafted, namely a different quarterback the year after he joined the team. But Bo Nix’s love for the deep ball still fits Mims’ talents; it’s just a matter of getting him more involved in the offense.
Payton promises that is coming. And after Mims’ game-changing play on Sunday, perhaps that will start happening sooner rather than later.
“I don’t know what the numbers are, but when you score in special teams, or you score on defense, you’re over 80-percent winner,” Payton said after the game. “It was amazing, because from my angle, which was pretty right there, to see Mims come out of that pile, that was a big play.”
Nix certainly thought so too. When special teams and the defense help the offense score, it’s a big win for everyone.
“I think his greatest trait for this team is his returning skills,” Nix said after the game. “He’s returning things for touchdowns. He’s giveing us great advantage on field position, …and honestly, we would love to have more, but he’s done about everything he could for the team at that point when you return a kick for a touchdown. So, he’s going to continue to find his spots in offense.”
Nix was quick to add that “obviously, all that stuff is not in my hands,” but also noted that anytime Mims is on the field he is making a difference.
And he never complains about his role or playing time.
“When he’s out there, he does a great job of making explosives when he gets it,” Nix added. “You’re right, he nevers ays anything, never really complains about his offensive production, and I think he just understands his role as a returner, and he does such a good job with that. I’m not going to say he’s comfortable with only doing that, but he’s taking it, and he’s going to be the best at that. Like I said, returning a kick for points — that’s the best offensive drive you’re going to have. So, that’s just a great advantage for us. He’s a great threat in that game, and he’s been All Pro twice, so he’s going to continue to do big things in the return game.”
But Mims’ increased playing time is coming.
“I would say he’s exceeded our expectation as to what type of guy he is, how he works, what kind of teammate he is,” Payton said, before hinting that more could be coming. “Honestly just coming out of a staff meeting, we have to continue to find more touches for him on the offensive side of the ball, and we’ll do that.”
