PFF’s Nathan Jahnke notes Mims was in the for the Broncos’ first offensive snap before being subbed out for journeyman Josh Reynolds (caught 1-of-2 targets for 11 yards), who handled No. 3 WR duties with the first-team offense. Mims returned to play on the fourth drive and played well into the third quarter. It is a situation to monitor closely next week.

Fowler also adds that Mims “will also be a key component in the passing game.” The second-year receiver struggled to crack the depth chart last year despite the team trading up in the second round to acquire him and him averaging a solid 17.1 YPR while posting a 22-377-1 line on 33 targets. Mims made the Pro Bowl as a returner last season, totaling 709 kick/punt return yards on 34 returns while also scoring on a 99-yard kick return touchdown. Courtland Sutton is expected to remain in his typical WR1 role for the Broncos this season, but Mims’ explosiveness should add another element to the offense in the second year under Sean Payton. If he truly is a key component in the passing game, Mims could turn into a nice fantasy value after going in the late double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts all offseason.

The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider in Thursday’s OTAs. We’re at the peak of coach-speak season, so take Payton’s quotes with a grain of salt, but a second-year leap from Mims could be on the way. Mims caught 22 passes for 377 yards and one touchdown as a rookie but was frustratingly buried near the bottom of Denver’s wide receiver depth chart behind the likes of Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson. Payton and the Broncos traded up in the 2023 draft to select Mims in the second round, which should serve somewhat as a signal of how the team envisions him for the long term. With Jerry Jeudy now gone and rookie Troy Franklin carrying fourth-round draft capital, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mims earn starting reps in his second season, giving Bo Nix an explosive weapon on the outside.

“I really think the only thing that really stopped his progress as a receiver was us and trying to find roles ... the key is for us, and I say us as coaches in game planning, is evolving,” Payton said when asked about young players stepping up for Denver in 2024. “We’ll see [Mims’ role] expand.’' Payton and his staff outright refused to give the speedy Mims a full-time role last season; the rookie ended 2023 with just 22 catches for 377 yards and one touchdown. Mims had two of the team’s four pass plays of at least 50 yards. If Mims can work his way into three-wideout sets in 2024, he can be an explosive if inconsistent fantasy option.