The Cincinnati Bengals have been looking to better protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow since their 2021-2022 Super Bowl run. The orange and black have tried different combinations across the offensive line and turned to free agency and the NFL Draft to find the best five players to keep number nine upright. This past draft the Bengals swung big in a literal and figurative way in taking the man mountain that is Amarius Mims from the University of Georgia. The 6′ 8″, 340lb behemoth has been everything Cincinnati could’ve hoped for thus far through OTAs and training camp. He’s shown the elite footwork and fluid movement that had teams so enamored in the draft process. Mims has also demonstrated a continual drive to get better and has been a quick study under the watchful eye of offensive line coach Frank Pollack. Let’s further examine the men in stripes first-round pick this season.
Amarius Mims Continues to Ascend for the Cincinnati Bengals
Put Me in Coach
The Bengals have wasted no time getting Mims acclimated to the right side of the line with Trent Brown just being activated off the Non-Football Injury List. This experience has been crucial for the rookie in facing the number one defense. In each subsequent practice, Mims shows why those in NFL circles were so high on the big man. He’s also done a fantastic job of understanding the playbook and his assignments which has translated to on-field success.
Another installment of amarius mims vs myles murphy as murphy tries a rip to the outside pic.twitter.com/OjeRuAl9Gq
— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) August 4, 2024
Mims’ first step quickness is a devastating combo when you include his tremendous size. The Bengals have to be thrilled at the early returns of their prized pick.
Capable Hands
Protecting the most important investment in the city of Cincinnati is an important job. Mims seems up to the task and is looking to be the first rookie offensive lineman to start in the opener since Hall of Famer, Anthony Munoz.
Newly installed offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has been watching Mims closely for months and he’s been passing each test with flying colors as Pitcher noted, “All the red flags that would prevent a player like Amarius from having long-term success in this league, we haven’t seen any of them. It’s still early. He’s got to stack good days on good days on good days. And he’s a rookie and he’s going to have things that pop up that he’s going to have to overcome, but when you just talk about character traits and work ethic, confidence, humility, being a good teammate, fitting in with the guys, feeling like this isn’t too big — all those things: Check, check, check, check, check, check.”
Seal of Approval
The most important endorsement an O-Lineman can get is from the quarterback he protects. Mims also has the blessing of Burrow who gives him high marks for his work when he states, “You can get a feeling, you know, you don’t know 100 percent, but my feeling on that guy is pretty good right now. His mindset, his athleticism, his size, his willingness to be coached, grow and learn is all an A-plus. So, sky’s the limit for that guy, I’m really excited he’s on our team.”
With all that Burrow has endured, it’s great to hear he’s so hopeful for the future of Mims. Let’s hope he remains a straight-A student.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
