No offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft has a higher ceiling than Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims. A dancing bear with vines for arms, Mims is the No. 12-ranked prospect in our latest TDN100 update.
Mims possesses the athletic traits and physical build necessary to develop into a franchise tackle. His untapped potential is expected to convince teams he's worthy of a top-32 selection. Prospects simply don't come in Mims' size and stature.
An ankle injury limited Mims to under 300 snaps this past season, and the Cochran, Georgia native was relegated to backup duties through the majority of 2022. Inexperience makes Mims a projection at the next level, but the baseline traits make it easy to view that projection favorably. We've identified three ideal team fits for Mims.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
If the Bengals retain Tee Higgins this offseason, right tackle vaults over wide receiver to the top of their offseason wishlist. The expectation is that Higgins will receive the franchise tag and play at least one more campaign in Cincinnati. Once that happens, chief decision-maker Duke Tobin should shift his attention to the offensive line.
Right tackle Jonah Williams is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow has been limited to 10 regular-season games with injury in two of his four completed seasons. The Bengals must make Burrow's protection a priority more now than ever since they've signed him to a long-term $275 million extension. Mims is plug-and-play at right tackle as Williams' replacement for the Super Bowl-contending Bengals.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders did the right thing by removing the interim title and making Antonio Pierce their full-time head coach. A former linebacker, Pierce is a hard-nosed throwback leader. He believes in playing a physical brand of football. Expect the new regime to prioritize high-level trench play.
New general manager Tom Telesco used two of his final three first-round picks on offensive linemen (Rashawn Slater and Zion Johnson) as the GM of the Chargers. Telesco understands the importance of building an offensive line through the draft. Last season's starting right tackle was Jermaine Eluemunor, an aging bridge-type option that's now scheduled for free agency. Re-signing Eluemunor wouldn't be financially prohibitive, but drafting Mims would offer the Raiders a multi-year solution at the position with a significantly higher ceiling.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis may be searching for two new starting offensive tackles this offseason. Former first-round pick Trevor Penning is inching dangerously close to bust territory.
The situation is equally as concerning on the right. A reliable performer, Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a cartilage defect problem in his knee that has cast uncertainty on his NFL future. The two-time Second-Team All-Pro selection may be forced into early retirement. The versatility of Andrus Peat (an unrestricted free agent, by the way) and James Hurst may offer temporary solutions, but the Saints desperately need to add young tackles to this roster. Mims is an option with the 14th overall selection.
