New Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims has a little extra motivation after falling to the 59th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Baylor prospect expected to be a high second-round pick, but instead fell toward the back end of the second round. Mims admitted that he was a “little surprised” and “got upset” that his draft stock fell before adding how excited he was to play for the Jets.
“There’s always been a chip on my shoulder,” he said afterward. “I’ve been underrated my whole life.”
Mims is not the type of player who gets nervous in the big moments. Actually, he’s quite the opposite. Mims wants to be the guy catching game-winning touchdowns with the clock ticking down, so it’s clear he doesn’t lack any confidence in his abilities.
“When it comes down to crunch time, when it comes down to the end of the game, I want the spotlight,” he said. “I mean, I want to be the one to help the team get the victory and I want everything on me, on my shoulders.”
That’s exactly what the Jets are looking for in their new playmaker. New York hasn’t had a clutch wide receiver in a while, so that type of mindset will be welcomed in New York.
With Mims’ 6-foot-3, 207-pound frame, he can be a needed red zone target for Sam Darnold. At Baylor, Mims had 28 total touchdowns while also recording 2,925 receiving yards.
More than likely, Mims will line up on the other side of Breshad Perriman on the outside with Jamsion Crowder in the slot. That’s a lot of speed in the wide receiver room for Gang Green, which should bode well for Adam Gase’s up-tempo offense.
And when the Jets need to put points on the board, the coach won’t have to worry about his rookie’s confidence.