The Denver Broncos traded up in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft on Friday evening to select Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims. That decision turned heads because the Broncos already have good depth at receiver, and teams called Denver about a potential WR trade after the Mims pick.
After the draft, Denver general manager George Paton was asked if picking Mims will have any influence on the team’s decision on whether or not to pick up Jerry Jeudy’s fifth-year option for the 2024 season.
“No, absolutely not,” Paton said. “I think Mims is going to complement what we have. Again, he’s going to compete, but it has nothing to do with any of our receivers.”
Despite receiving interest from multiple teams, the Broncos have repeatedly said they do not plan to trade Jeudy or Courtland Sutton. Mims will be added to the mix rather than coming in as a replacement. Mims will also be a factor on special teams.
“His traits — he’s got return skills, character makeup and he’s smart,” coach Sean Payton said of Mims. “He’s someone that can play at ‘Z’ [position]. He can play at ‘X.’ He brings an element of speed you can feel on tape.”
Mims will give quarterback Russell Wilson another target alongside Jeudy, Sutton and Tim Patrick, and he could give Denver a spark on special teams. His arrival isn’t necessarily a sign that another WR is on the way out.
