FanPost

Stop the Denzel Mims Slander

The Denzel Mims slander needs to stop!! People are writing off Denzel Mims one year after he slid to 59th overall. A hamstring injury kept him out of camp and the 1st half of the season but Mims broke onto the scene becoming the 8th receiver since 1970 to have at least 40+ in each of their 1st 4 games. The others are CeeDee Lamb, Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Andre Johnson, and Terry Glenn. Not bad company. While he did not have the stellar campaign of Justin Jefferson, he was one of the top contributors in the passing game for the Jets leading the Jets in yards in 3 out his 1st 4 games.

Mims best streak came in weeks 9-12 as he averaged 4 catches for 67 yards showed the ability to come down with the ball and make plays after the catch. His catch over Casey showed the physicality and strong hands that allowed him to dominate in college. He was consistently able to track and high point the ball using his size to beat the cornerback. Mims came into the NFL with concerns about his yards after catch ability only averaging 3.0 as a senior. He immediately put that concern to rest averaging 5.0 after the catch which ranked 35th out of qualified wide receivers. Over the final 8 weeks he averaged 16.1 yards per reception which ranked 3rd among qualified rookies. While his route running needs to improve he has more than enough quickness to improve.

In the draft Mims was in the first round conversation coming off his best season in a career where he totaled 182 catches, 2901 yards, and 28 touchdowns in his final 3 years. In that time he used his elite size and speed to beat cornerbacks, especially in the redzone. Then in the senior bowl he was the best WR on the field leading all receivers in catches, touchdowns, and win rate. Even PFF is raving about him selecting him as one of their offensive breakout players of the year. His production has been great but what makes me truly believe in him becoming a top WR in the NFL is his elite measurables.

Denzel Mims measured at 6’-3", 207 pounds with the 4th longest arms among wide receivers at the combine. He then followed up that with a blazing 4.38s 40 (3rd), 6.66s 3 cone drill (1st), and 38.5 vertical (8th). His combine is nearly identical to future hall of fame WR, Julio Jones. 3 wide receivers all time have drafted in round 1 or 2 only 3 have ran a sub-4.4 forty, sub-6.7 three cone, and 15+ bench press reps. They are Julio Jones, Denzel Mims, and Elijah Moore. The Jets wide receiving core has some elite potential.

In year 2 Mims is coming into a crowded wide receiver room but Mims offers the skillset to thrive with Wilson. Wilson's accuracy and arm strength will allow Mims to use his physical to burn or bully opposing wide receivers. In Lafleur's system, Mims run blocking and yard after catch ability will get him plenty of opportunities. It is true Denzel Mims ran with the 2nd team after missing time with an illness during OTA’s. But it's absolutely ridiculous to believe that means he’s not good. Mims is gonna establish himself this year and the arrow is only pointing up.

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