Amarius Mims is a top candidate for NFL Protector of the Year award
Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims has quickly emerged as a standout performer in pass protection, earning a spot among the NFL’s top candidates for Protector of the Year. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked Mims third in his early-season NFL Awards rankings, praising him as the league’s best right tackle at shielding quarterback Joe Burrow.
Over four games, Mims faced one-on-one pass-rush situations at the third-highest rate in the NFL while allowing just half a sack and two quick pressures across 169 snaps—a critical advantage for an offense that thrives on Burrow’s extended throws. His ability to handle heavy pressure independently allows the Bengals to deploy their tight ends and running backs as additional receiving threats, expanding their offensive flexibility.
Beyond pass protection, Mims also ranked 12th in run-block win rate, showcasing his versatility in both phases of the game. While early rankings carry little weight over a full season, his performance so far suggests he could be a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offensive line for years to come.
