Denzel Mims, a name that has garnered increasing attention in the NFL over the past few years, is a wide receiver who has shown flashes of great potential. With a combination of size, speed, and skill, Mims has all the attributes to become a household name in the professional football world.
As one of the top prospects coming out of college football, his journey to the NFL has been filled with challenges, but his physical traits and dedication have made him an exciting talent to watch. This article delves into Mims’ early life, college career, NFL journey, playing style, and what the future holds for him.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 26, 1997, in Daingerfield, Texas, Denzel Mims grew up with a passion for sports, particularly football. Daingerfield is a small town in East Texas known for its strong football culture, and Mims was no exception in carrying the torch. He attended Daingerfield High School, where he quickly became known as one of the most talented players in the region.
Mims played both wide receiver and cornerback in high school, showcasing his versatility. His combination of height, athleticism, and hands made him an obvious standout on the field. In his senior year, Mims recorded impressive stats, including over 1,500 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, which earned him recognition as a 4A All-State player. His high school success helped him earn a scholarship to play at Baylor University, a prestigious football program in Texas.
College Career at Baylor
After high school, Denzel Mims made the decision to attend Baylor University, where he continued his football journey. Baylor, known for its potent offense and history of producing high-caliber wide receivers, was a perfect place for Mims to develop his skills and prepare for the NFL.
Mims wasted little time making an impact during his freshman year in 2016. He quickly earned playing time as a true freshman, catching 23 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was impressive for a newcomer, showing that he had the potential to be a star at the collegiate level. However, it was during his sophomore and junior years that Mims really began to shine.
Breakout Seasons
In his sophomore season (2017), Mims established himself as one of the top receivers in the Big 12 conference. He improved his stats significantly, recording 61 catches for 1,087 yards and 8 touchdowns. His breakout performance solidified his place as a primary target for Baylor’s offense and began to draw the attention of NFL scouts.
By his junior year (2018), Mims had reached a new level. He posted 55 receptions for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns, demonstrating a rare combination of speed, size, and agility. His ability to stretch the field with deep routes, along with his proficiency in making contested catches, made him a standout in the Big 12. Mims’ consistency, coupled with his athleticism, made him one of the most dynamic receivers in college football.
Senior Year and NFL Draft Preparation
In his senior year (2019), Mims capped off his collegiate career with another strong performance. He caught 66 passes for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to maintain high-level production in his final season. His performance at Baylor, coupled with his impressive Combine numbers (including a 4.38-second 40-yard dash), helped Mims gain recognition as one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
Draft Day and Selection by the New York Jets
Denzel Mims was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 59th overall pick. The Jets were looking to add some much-needed firepower to their offense, and Mims’ size, speed, and potential made him an ideal selection. His combination of traits standing at 6’3″ and weighing 207 pounds, paired with his quickness and ability to stretch the field made him an intriguing prospect.
Mims was considered one of the best wide receiver prospects in the draft, especially given his ability to make plays both at the intermediate and deep levels. His athleticism and impressive college production made him a potential future star for the Jets.
2020 NFL Rookie Season
Mims’ rookie season with the Jets was marred by injury and the team’s struggles overall. He missed several games at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury but eventually made his debut in Week 7. In his first few games, Mims showed his potential by making big plays. He finished the season with 23 receptions for 357 yards and 0 touchdowns. Though these numbers didn’t fully reflect his talent, Mims demonstrated that he had the ability to be a future contributor in the Jets’ offense.
2021 and Development
In the 2021 season, Mims showed improvements in his game and his understanding of the NFL. The Jets’ offense, with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson at the helm, struggled, and Mims wasn’t always a consistent part of the game plan. However, there were moments when Mims flashed the talent that made him such an exciting prospect. Throughout the season, he continued to work on his routes, separation skills, and chemistry with his quarterbacks.
Despite the Jets’ offense not being fully established, Mims still had the opportunity to grow, and many believed that his breakout season was just around the corner. His ability to get open deep and his physicality as a receiver were the areas where his potential could be realized, especially as the team continued to build around Wilson.
Physical Traits and Athleticism
One of the most notable aspects of Denzel Mims’ game is his size and athleticism. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 207 pounds, Mims possesses the physical attributes that NFL teams covet in a wide receiver. His combination of height, speed, and agility gives him the ability to win contested catches, out-jump defenders, and track deep passes with ease.
Mims is particularly effective at using his size to shield defenders and make tough catches in traffic. His impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine demonstrates his elite straight-line speed, while his quickness and ability to separate from defenders make him a threat both downfield and in short-yardage situations.
Route Running and Deep Threat Ability
Mims’ ability to run precise routes is one of the most essential aspects of his game. While still refining his route-running technique at the NFL level, he’s shown that he can effectively create separation from defenders, especially in deep situations. Mims has excellent hands and has proven capable of going up and getting the ball in contested situations, making him an excellent red-zone target.
His deep-threat ability is what sets him apart from many other wide receivers. Whether it’s a fly route, a post route, or a go route, Mims has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays. This speed allows him to outrun defenders and take advantage of any mismatches in coverage.
Blocking and Physicality
In addition to his receiving skills, Mims has shown that he can be a physical presence in the running game as well. His size allows him to contribute as a blocker on running plays, helping to create lanes for running backs. This aspect of his game makes him a well-rounded player, and his physicality will continue to be an asset as his career progresses.
Denzel Mims’ Future and Potential
As the New York Jets continue to build their roster, there is ample opportunity for Denzel Mims to grow and develop into a key contributor. The team’s commitment to Zach Wilson as their quarterback means that Mims has the potential to form a dynamic partnership with the young signal-caller, helping to shape the future of the offense. With Mims’ combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, his future is bright. If he can stay healthy, refine his route running, and continue to develop chemistry with Wilson, there’s a strong possibility that he will emerge as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
Comparisons to Other NFL Wide Receivers
Many analysts have drawn comparisons between Denzel Mims and other successful wide receivers in the NFL, including players like Kenny Golladay, Michael Gallup, and Courtland Sutton. These players share similar physical attributes, including size and speed, and have established themselves as consistent contributors in their respective offenses. Given Mims’ potential, many believe that he has the upside to not only match these players’ success but perhaps even exceed it with the right development.
FAQs
What is Denzel Mims’ college football career like?
Mims played for the Baylor Bears from 2016 to 2019. He had a standout career, accumulating over 2,900 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. He earned All-Big 12 honors in his senior season and showcased his skills with a 1,020-yard, 12-touchdown campaign.
What are Denzel Mims’ strengths as a football player?
Mims is known for his excellent physical attributes, including his size, speed, and leaping ability. He runs a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, which is fast for a player of his size. Mims has also been praised for his ability to make spectacular catches, particularly in contested situations, making him a red-zone threat.
Why has Denzel Mims struggled with the New York Jets?
Mims faced challenges during his time with the Jets, primarily due to the team’s inconsistent quarterback play and offensive schemes. Despite his physical gifts, he struggled to earn significant playing time, and his relationship with the coaching staff became strained, leading to his trade.
What are Denzel Mims’ career highlights?
Some of Mims’ career highlights include his strong performances at Baylor, where he earned All-Big 12 honors and helped the Bears secure a high national ranking. At the NFL level, Mims has had several impressive catches, especially in contested situations, which show his high potential.
Is Denzel Mims a fantasy football option?
While Denzel Mims has had an up-and-down career, he could still be a potential sleeper pick for fantasy football, especially if he earns a starting role with the Detroit Lions. His size, speed, and ability to make big plays could make him valuable if he gets consistent opportunities.
In Summary
Denzel Mims is a wide receiver with a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that sets him apart from many other players in the NFL. Despite facing injuries and playing in a challenging offensive system, Mims has shown flashes of brilliance that make him one of the most exciting young wide receivers to watch. As he continues to grow and develop in the NFL, there’s no doubt that Mims has the potential to become a major player for the New York Jets and in the league as a whole.
With his combination of physical traits and playmaking ability, Mims is poised to be a key contributor to the Jets’ future success and is on track to becoming a standout star in the NFL. As fans eagerly watch his progression, Denzel Mims’ story is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
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