Expectations were understandably high for Jets receiver Denzel Mims when he was drafted in 2020, but he has yet to live up to his billing in the NFL. With questions continuing to be asked about his future with the team, things may have taken a positive turn this offseason. 
ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes that the 24-year-old is in better shape physically than he was last year, which was marred by multiple health issues. In part due to those factors, and, more importantly, his inability to translate an intriguing size-speed combination from college to the NFL, Mims hasn’t seen much of the field through two seasons as a pro.
The former second-rounder flashed potential as a rookie, starting eight of the nine games he appeared in. He averaged 15.5 yards per reception, albeit on just 23 scoreless receptions. This year, after the Jets signed Corey Davis and drafted Elijah Moore, Mims saw a drastically reduced role, playing only 40% of offensive snaps. As a result, the Baylor alum has totalled less than 500 career yards after 20 NFL contests.
Amidst frustration regarding his limited opportunities, Mims was understandably considered a trade candidate throughout the 2021 season. In the build-up to the trade deadline, it was reported teams were inquiring about his availability, but New York elected to hold on to him. That didn’t point to a level of complacence at the position, of course; the Jets made a strong push to acquire Deebo Samuel, and used the No. 10 pick in the draft to select Garrett Wilson.
With a long road still in front of him to land a starting role (the Jets also re-signed Braxton Berrios this offseason), Mims is nevertheless receiving high praise as a result of his work during OTAs. Head coach Robert Saleh described him as being “a lot further along than he was a year ago” and in “fantastic shape”. Still, as Cimini writes, the team could simply be “talking him up” right now in an effort to boost his value in a potential…