Jets get weapon for Darnold with Denzel Mims in 2nd round

The New York Jets selected wide receiver Denzel Mims out of Baylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 59th overall.

After racking up 1,020 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his final year of college, Mims becomes the newest target for quarterback Sam Darnold.

Prospect Profile

School: Baylor
Height: 6-3
Weight: 207 lbs

Positives

• Elite athletic profile combines size, speed, and quickness
• Varied and efficient releases to create separation at the line
• Wins with physicality and change-of-direction skills in his route
• Dominates contested-catch situations over defenders
• Massive catch radius and great body control to adjust to the ball
• Athleticism shows up after the catch
• Outstanding run-blocker

Negatives

• Didn't run an extensive route tree
• Missing the nuance to sell routes with fakes at the top of the stem
• Battles some inconsistency with his hands

Bottom Line

Mims was flying somewhat under the radar until he made waves with a sensational combine performance, but he probably should have been getting this kind of attention all along. The Baylor standout demonstrates rare athleticism for his size, getting the best of opposing defensive backs both with his physicality and movement skills. We don't often see big-bodied pass-catchers who can win at the line of scrimmage with their release, at the top of their routes with lateral quicks, and over defenders in contested situations. If Mims can develop more nuance in his route-running given his lateral quicks and his polish coming off the line, he boasts as much upside as any receiver in this class.