The Denver Broncos had one player who landed on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team: receiver Marvin Mims Jr.
Mims, who was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, actually ended up making it as a kick returner rather than receiver.
In a year when returning kicks became even more rare thanks to a new touchback rule, Mims stood out as a kick returner. He finished with the second-most kick return yards among rookies with 397, and earned a respectable 26.5 yards per return. Mims was also one of just four players in the NFL (and the only rookie) to return a kickoff for a touchdown.
Though Mims made it in as a kick returner, he also showed promise as a receiver in his first year with the club, earning 377 yards and a touchdown through the air. He was also very good as a punt returner, averaging a strong 16.4 yards per return.
Mims is the first Broncos player to make the PFWA All-Rookie team since 2021. That season, running back Javonte Williams and cornerback Patrick Surtain II earned the honors. After a strong rookie campaign by Mims, Denver fans will be looking at him to take things a step further in year two as one of the team’s top offensive and special teams weapons.