NY Jets: Instant grade and analysis for the Denzel Mims NFL Draft pick

NY Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas worked his magic in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft landing flashy Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims.

The NY Jets went into Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft knowing that they needed receiver help and they managed to get their guy in the form of Baylor playmaker Denzel Mims.

Mims experienced a bit of a slide on draft day after many analysts had him projected as high as the end of Round 1. However, 12 receivers heard their names called before Mims was finally taken at pick No. 59.

The Jets originally held the No. 48 overall pick in the draft but traded back with the Seattle Seahawks picking up an additional third-round pick. Many wanted the Jets to take the uber-talented Mims at 48.

Instead, general manager Joe Douglas snagged him at 59.

Mims is an exciting wideout who put together two 1,000+ yard seasons while playing at Baylor. The 22-year-old was voted first-team All-Big 12 in 2019 after hauling in a team-leading 66 catches for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns.

At his core, Mims possesses a hybrid blend of size, speed, and athleticism that few receivers in the NFL have. He plays much larger than his 6-foot-3, 207-pound frame possessing an elite catch radius, and the ability to make contested catches look easy.

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On top of that, his cuts are reminiscent of receivers four inches shorter than him as he’s able to create separation with his agility and incredible athleticism.

Oh, did we mention he ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash too?

As an athlete, Mims is about as perfect as they come. However, he’s still learning the nuances of the position and needs plenty of refinement.

Drops were a persistent issue at Baylor as he would often make difficult catches only to drop the easy ones. His hands need to become more consistent at the pro level if he’s going to take the next step.

Moreover, he wasn’t asked to run a complete route tree at Baylor and he isn’t a very refined route-runner at this time. All of those are traits that can be coached — and the Jets are clearly betting on that happening.

Mims has first-round upside, but his lack of refinement pushed him to the end of the second in a loaded receiver class. But if he could polish his game in the NFL, he could be one of the steals of the draft.

A high-upside selection here in Round 2 made sweeter by the trade-down just 11 picks earlier.

Final Grade: B+