Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive tackle Amarius Mims is about to step into a full-time starting role. Veteran right tackle Trent Brown suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon injury in his knee in Monday's Week 3 primetime loss to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Mims is capable of seizing his opportunity.
The Bengals signed Brown to a one-year contract worth $4.75 million in the offseason. They drafted Mims with a first-round selection (No. 18 overall) approximately one month later. Cincinnati planned to start Brown this season and bring Mims along slowly. After all, the former Georgia standout totaled fewer than 300 snaps for the Bulldogs throughout 2023. That timeline has now been accelerated.
Brown had been performing admirably. Pro Football Focus credits him with allowing one sack and five pressures in two-and-a-half appearances. Brown earned a run-blocking grade of 68.4, and a pass-protection score of 64.2. The 2015 draftee had been whistled for one penalty.
Mims played well versus the Commanders considering he was unexpectedly called into action. In this compilation of clips, he showcases terrific patience on the first rep in protection against Commanders rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste, allowing Joe Burrow to roll out and complete a pass. The following two clips show Mims stonewalling Dorance Armstrong, with the final rep being a win versus Andre Jones Jr.
Amarius Mims has the patience of a 10 year vet in pass protection. He gets to his spot and doesn't get antsy. Just calmly waits for the pass rusher to throw out a move and then clamps down. pic.twitter.com/qvyOhEr6bj
— mike (@bengals_sans) September 24, 2024
Mims ended up being credited with allowing one sack and one hurry. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor will be pleased with his rookie's display given the spot.
Mims was game-day active for the first time after missing Cincinnati's opening two contests after suffering a pectoral injury in training camp. Mims appeared in just one preseason contest before suffering that injury. He didn't allow a single pressure in the passing game, and displaced bodies as a run blocker in the exhibition opener versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Monday's encouraging showing continued the momentum he captured before being sidelined.
Despite Mims being generally inexperienced, the Cochran, Georgia native is technically advanced beyond his years. Mims routinely identifies twists and stunts in pass protection and isn't easily fooled. He picks up blitzes with little issue and isn't caught off guard.
Mims possesses the foot quickness required to defeat edge defenders at the apex of their rush. He's an outstanding mover for his size. Mims ran an elite 5.07 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and leaped a 9-foot-3 broad jump, two excellent results at 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds, en route to a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.53.
As a run blocker, Mims explodes off the snap to dominate the line of scrimmage. He possesses rare latch strength in his hands, controlling reps and overpowering his opponents. Mims' length (36.125-inch arms) limits access to his chest and creates separation between him and defenders.
The Bengals have begun the season a disappointing 0-3. Losing the veteran Brown through injury is a blow, but decision-maker Duke Tobin was prepared. If the Bengals fail to salvage their campaign, it won't be because Mims' play is preventative. Mims' ceiling is incredibly high in Taylor's offense.
