Denzel Mims Stats: Former Second-Round WR Seeks Fresh Start in Detroit
Mims Had 42 Catches, No TDs in Three Seasons With Jets!
Can a change of scenery rejuvenate Denzel Mims’ career?
After three disappointing seasons in New York, the Jets traded the former second-round wideout to the Detroit Lions on July 19. The Lions also received a 2025 seventh-round pick in the deal, while the Jets netted a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick.
Let’s take a closer look at what the trade could mean for Mims.
Production Lacking in New York
Denzel Mims failed to establish a clear role in the New York Jets‘ offense, with 42 catches for 676 yards and no touchdowns over three seasons.
Sensing limited opportunities with the team that drafted him 59th overall (second round) out of Baylor in 2020, Mims asked for a trade last August. The Jets, however, rebuffed Mims’ request. Days later, Mims turned in arguably his best performance as a Jet, with seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a preseason game against the New York Giants. Still, it didn’t amount to much.
Mims wound up appearing in just 10 games during the 2022 regular season. His role, as it was for much of his Jets tenure, was limited. He tallied only 11 catches for 186 yards.
What Went Wrong
Despite a glaring need for a No. 2 receiver opposite NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, the speedy Mims became an afterthought under offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. So, too, did 2021 second-rounder Elijah Moore, another Day Two pick that met a similar fate as Mims. Mims was targeted only 25 times, fifth-most among Jets receivers.
Mims’ inability to play special teams only landed him deeper in the Jets’ doghouse. He was inactive for the first six weeks of the 2022 season, and when he did return, he rarely, if ever, stood out. The Jets averaged only 17.4 points and finished bottom 10 in total offense, in part because of their failure to find another reliable NFL player to pair with Wilson. Wilson was the only Jets receiver to finish with more than 37 passes.
What Could Go Right
Mims will have an opportunity for a fresh start in Detroit. He certainly wasn’t going to get that in New York. The Jets brought in veterans — and Aaron Rodgers favorites — Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb while choosing to keep a high-priced underperformer in Corey Davis. They also added Mecole Hardman Jr. That didn’t leave much room for Mims.
With former first-rounder Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season for betting violations, Mims will get an opportunity to prove himself as a Lion. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the clear No. 1 receiver, having caught 106 passes for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns last season, but Mims could slide in right alongside Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds as a favorite target of Jared Goff’s. D.J. Chark, who was third on the team with 502 receiving yards, signed with the Carolina Panthers, and Marvin Jones Jr. will begin training camp on the Non-Football Injury list.
Odds Outlook
Detroit is shaping up to be a trendy pick in 2023, with or without Mims. The much-maligned franchise appears to be finally heading in the right direction under the tutelage of head coach Dan Campbell. As it is, they were in contention until Week 18 last season, finishing 9-8.
With Rodgers departing Green Bay for New York, the Lions seem destined to take over as the team to beat in the NFC North. In fact, they’re priced +135 to win the division, something they haven’t done in three decades. Projected for 9.5 wins, the Lions also have NFL playoff odds of -140.
The Lions will open the NFL schedule against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7. Kansas City is currently a 7-point favorite (-105) and -290 to win outright, with Detroit coming in at +240. The projected total is 54.5.
For Denzel Mims news, NFL odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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