Denzel Mims loves to block, which should make him an immediate favorite of Hines Ward.
Mims claimed that blocking is the strongest part of his game, selflessly acknowledging that his willingness to do so opens up the playbook for himself and those around him. That type of mindset is what helped Ward earn a Super Bowl MVP during his potential Hall of Fame career.
Now Mims has a chance to hone in his skills under the tutelage of Ward, who will enter his second season as a Jets offensive assistant. After being considered for multiple wide receiver coach opportunities this offseason, the Jets were lucky to welcome Ward back to Adam Gase’s staff.
As he rises up the coaching ranks, Ward has already shown what he’s capable of to some degree. In 2019, Ward was a key figure in helping Robby Anderson expand his route tree. Anderson then earned a two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers this past March.
Now Ward has a chance to continue to prove his worth by taking Mims underneath his wing.
During Ward’s 14 seasons in Pittsburgh, the Steelers had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. With Le’Veon Bell suffering the worst statistical season of his career in 2019, the Jets are hoping that with a revamped offensive line and Mims in the fold, Bell can regain form. With Gang Green looking to take advantage of Bell’s vision and patience in an outside-zone running scheme, having Ward work with Mims to perfect his craft could open up another dimension to Gang Green’s offense.
Ward’s relentless tenacity for blocking earned him a place in the rulebook. In 2009, after a rattling hit to Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers left the rookie with a broken jaw, the NFL implemented a rules change commonly known as the “Hines Ward Rule,” outlawing high, blind-side hits.
All eyes remain on Mims as he attempts to right the wrongs of the past of former Jets second-round picks. Entering his rookie season, there might not be a better mentor available for Mims than Ward. The Jets got lucky to keep Ward in the fold and to land Mims with the 59th pick. A little bit of luck may be just what the Jets needed in finding their No. 1 receiver of the future.