Cincinnati Bengals 2026 breakout candidate revealed by Pro Football Focus originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals are expecting big things from offensive tackle Amarius Mims next season.

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As a result, the George product was recently named as Cincinnati’s early 2026 breakout candidate by Pro Football Focus.

Amarius Mims named Bengals’ 2026 breakout candidate

Mims will be entering his third season in the league in 2026 after the Bengals selected him in the first round (18th overall) in 2024.

He started in 32 games for Cincinnati over his first two seasons in the league, and with all that experience now under his belt, Mims will be looked at to take a step forward on the O-line for the Bengals next season.

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From PFF:

“After a season and a half full of consistent struggles, Mims may have turned a corner late in the season, potentially changing the complexion of Cincinnati’s offensive line. From Week 12 through Week 18, Mims earned an 81.0 PFF overall grade that ranked 13th among qualified offensive tackles. He also did not allow a sack across his final eight games of the season.” 

Mims’ continued development is extremely important for Cincinnati, as protecting star quarterback Joe Burrow is a top priority for the organization.

At just 23 years old, Mims is far from a finished product, and his best football is likely in front of him. For that reason, his selection as a breakout candidate in Cincinnati makes sense.

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