Bengals Beat: Amarius Mims Not Worried about Naysayers Like Nick Saban

CINCINNATI — Amarius Mims is already turning away bull rushes.

The Georgia tackle, taken by the Bengals 18th in Thursday’s night’s Round 1 of the NFL Draft, was criticized by ESPN’s brand new commentator and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban on the network’s broadcast.

Saban, while clearly respecting his raw tools, said that Mims took himself out of the SEC Championship game in December after just 15 snaps.

“This guy’s got all the tools — he’s got great size, he’s got great power,” Saban said. “But it makes you wonder, how did the guy only start 8 (games)? Like, in the SEC championship game, he played only the first 15 plays of the game and then he’s out. Takes himself out.

“I don’t know what he injured, what he hurt, whatever. But you’ve got to be a little bit more consistent in your performance if you’re going to be a great player and a starter in the National Football League.”

Mims took the high road Friday when he met with the media for the first time.

“Everyone has their own opinions on me,” Mims said. “I don’t really care what he said. I’ve got a lot of respect for Nick Saban. He’s one of the great college coaches. I’m just glad I’m a Cincinnati Bengal.”

Other notes from Amarius Mims on Friday:

“I was a middle linebacker (when he was young). I thought I was going to be the next Ray Lewis. Just being honest with you. Defensive end in middle school. Changed to tackle in high school.”

Had to keep copy of birth record at rec center growing up to prove his age in youth football.

When Mims hurt his knee in high school, he went from 6-1, 6-2 to 6-7 in five months.