The Jets are deep in the WR position going into this season, but third-year wideout Denzel Mims is looking to make a mark.
After Friday’s practice, Mims told reporters that he "worked out like crazy" in the offseason to prepare for training camp with the hope that he’ll become a starting wide receiver this season. When asked where he sees himself in the team’s wide receiver corps, the 24-year-old was blunt.
"I see myself on top," Mims said. "I show every day. It’s up to them if they want to play me or not."
One way Mims is showing that is on special teams. The Texas native said one of his goals this year is to be more versatile so he can contribute on special teams, in addition to the offense. Last season, his inability to get on the same page as Robert Saleh and the other coaches led to healthy scratches and a lack of playing time.
After a promising rookie season in 2020 where he started eight games, catching 23 passes for 357 yards, his sophomore stint (Saleh’s first season as head coach) went in the opposite direction. Mims started just three games and caught eight passes for 133 yards. It also didn’t help that other wideouts like Corey Davis, Keelan Cole, Braxton Berrios and then-rookie Elijah Moore were staples in Saleh’s offense.
This season could be a steeper climb to starter status for Mims. Although Cole signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason, the Jets drafted Garrett Wilson 10th overall in April and will likely slot him in as a starter.
But as Mims said, it’s not up to him if he plays. All he can do is put in the work -- and Saleh is noticing.
"[Mims is] doing a really good job and fighting his tail off in the run game," Saleh said. "Because he’s so well-conditioned, he's doing things he hasn’t been able to do in the past. He’s battling in teams, that’s going to be a big part of it, being reliable on special teams."
Saleh added that he’s happy with how Mims has approached the offseason, the way he’s "attacked" OTAs and how he’s come into training camp. He also said that the wideout has come a long way and he’s "much improved from a year ago."
"He’s grinding and he’s approaching it like a professional, and for that I’m grateful," Saleh said.