Does Denzel Mims have a spot on the NY Jets' 53-man roster?
By Cade Cracas
Denzel Mims has been a consistent victim of criticism and hate throughout the majority of the 2022 offseason. With NY Jets training camp underway, however, his size and sheer talent have shined in a new light.
The third-year wideout has impressed coaches and fans alike, making highlight-reel plays and hauling in absurd catches throughout camp.
On the second day of camp, Mims was praised by SNY's Connor Hughes and countless other media members after an impressive catch across the middle of the field from backup quarterback Mike White.
And this was not the only instance of Mims putting on a show. On Tuesday, Mims hauled in a huge 60-yard touchdown across the middle of the field, once more from White.
It's been a much-needed strong training camp for Mims who has slowly but surely been hidden as the depth chart gains more talented wideouts.
In his sophomore season, he only caught eight receptions for 133 yards. Compared to his rookie season in which he grabbed 23 passes equating to 357 yards, his sophomore season was definitely a letdown.
The Jets front office, and fans, are all looking to see a comeback year for the former second-round draft selection.
Where does Denzel Mims most likely fit in the NY Jets lineup?
The issue with his spot in the lineup more has to do with the influx of talent surrounding Mims.
Not only does he have sophomore receiver Elijah Moore and veteran receiver Corey Davis ahead of him on the depth chart, but newly-drafted first-round pick Garrett Wilson has received high praise throughout camp.
Mims is looking to have a solid season, but with at least three receivers ahead of him, and the potential to lose reps to Braxton Barrios who's going into his fourth season, the window of opportunity for Mims looks slim.
Looking at the situation from a logical standpoint, one of these wide receivers has to go. And sadly, that receiver might be Mims, especially with Jeff Smith also ahead of him on the depth chart.
Obviously, Elijah Moore has his spot, and it has been rumored that he has put himself far ahead as the WR1 in this depth chart. Looking at Garrett Wilson, his most likely position will be as the slot receiver in his rookie year with Corey Davis as the outside receiver.
Braxton Berrios, who was re-signed this offseason, had a career year in 2021 where he hauled in 46 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns. Mims isn't taking any reps away from Berrios.
Sadly, as you continue to look at the numbers and circumstances surrounding the Jets' wide receiver corps, Denzel Mims looks at the most likely player to be moved if a conflict arises.
With four steady wide receivers that the Jets chose to be with the team and two young running backs, the playing time and receptions that he needs to grow as a player are not gonna be given in New York.
The most likely scenario could see the Jets increase his trade value throughout training camp and preseason to then be traded before Week 1.
He caught has just 31 receptions for 490 yards in his career to go alongside zero touchdowns, but the Jets have been adamant that he has made incredible strides this offseason.
Only time will tell where the former second-round selection will end up, both as it pertains to the Jets' roster and the NFL as a whole.