Amarius Mims, the 23-year-old right tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, demonstrated significant progress in his second season, boosting his pass-block and run-block grades to 66.6 and 64.8, respectively. Mims is set to return in 2026 alongside all four other starting offensive linemen and their offensive line coach, who played a crucial role in his development last season. Drafted 17th overall in 2024, Mims is in the third year of a four-year, $15.3 million rookie contract, with the Bengals likely to exercise a fifth-year option that would keep him under contract until 2029. His first two seasons have seen him play more snaps than he did during his entire college career, and he finished the 2025 season with an impressive 81.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in the final weeks, allowing no sacks during that stretch.
Why It Matters
Mims’ rapid development as a key player on the Bengals’ offensive line highlights the importance of player growth in the NFL, especially for high draft picks. Historically, first-round offensive linemen are expected to make immediate impacts, and Mims is meeting those expectations after being a 5-star recruit out of high school. The Bengals’ decision to draft him 17th overall reflects their confidence in his potential, which appears justified as he transitions into a more impactful role. The continuity of having the same starting offensive line and coaching staff in 2026 will likely support further improvement and stability, which is critical for the team’s offensive success.
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