Amarius Mims Ranked Third in Protector Standings
Bengals tackle Amarius Mims earned the third spot in latest league-wide pass-protection rankings.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football
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Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims has been named the third-best player in Bill Barnwell's Protector of the Year standings. Mims has demonstrated elite pass protection throughout the 2026 season.
Why it matters
The ranking highlights Mims' rapid development as a key pass blocker within the high-volume offensive system used by the Cincinnati Bengals. His performance indicates he is becoming a cornerstone asset for the team's protection scheme.
Amarius Mims has allowed only 0.5 sacks and two quick pressures over 169 pass-rush snaps this season. He also holds a 62.8 Pro Football Focus overall grade and ranks 12th in run block win rate.
The players
Amarius Mims
Amarius Mims is an offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals who played college football at the University of Georgia.
Bill Barnwell
Bill Barnwell is a national sports writer and analyst who publishes periodic rankings and evaluations regarding NFL player performance.
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals who leads an offense that frequently utilizes five-receiver sets.
The details
Standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 350 pounds, Mims faces one-on-one pass rushers at the third-highest rate in the NFL. His ability to anchor the line allows quarterback Joe Burrow to consistently send five eligible receivers into routes.
Timeline
Amarius Mims was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The 2026 NFL season serves as the current timeframe for Mims' statistical production.
Bill Barnwell published his quarter-season rankings in October 2026.
Mims is projected to sign a contract extension during the 2027 offseason.
Season Trajectory
Mims' emergence as a top-tier protector significantly bolsters the Bengals' pass-blocking unit, impacting the team's long-term offensive stability. This development positions him as a high-value piece for future postseason runs and roster construction.
Mims' strong pass-protection metrics suggest he will continue to anchor the left or right side of the line, providing stable protection for fantasy-relevant pass catchers. His high volume of one-on-one blocking assignments indicates he is trusted to handle difficult matchups without needing extra help.
The takeaway
Mims' rise as a premier protector highlights the importance of drafting high-ceiling offensive linemen. His upcoming contract negotiations in 2027 are expected to be a major talking point for the franchise as they manage their cap space.
Further reading
For more on the team's performance, visit Cincinnati Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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