Denzel Mims has only played in a handful of games in his rookie season, but he already has his mind set on what he needs to improve upon in his first NFL offseason.
Mims, the Jets’ 2020 second-round pick out of Baylor, only has a six-game sample size in the NFL, mainly because of hamstring injuries that he dealt with in training camp and in the first half of the season. However, Mims has been impactful when he’s been on the field. Now, as the season winds down, Mims is already focusing on what he needs to do to get better.
“Everything, but the main focus for me is that I want to be able to be labeled as a good route runner,” Mims said, per SNY. “That’s what in the offseason I’m going to work on a lot and try to be good in that area and try to do good in everything else. I want to be that go-to guy.”
In the six games Mims has been on the field, he’s given a glimpse into what kind of receiver he can be. He’s racked up 19 catches for 324 yards without a full training camp and a limited number of practices.
When the Jets do target Mims, it’s been primarily on plays down the field. He’s averaging 17.1 yards per reception and nine yards per target, according to Pro Football Reference. It’s been vertical routes and deep crossing routes in particular that have been successful for Mims.
Based on what Mims said Wednesday, however, he wants to do more than what he’s been doing. He wants to be the guy that you can count on getting a first down in a key spot or making a big touchdown grab late in the game.
All that comes with time and reps, but it seems like Mims is determined to get those this offseason. If Mims can do that, it would definitely give the Jets a legit wide receiver for 2021 and beyond.