The Lions are hoping the Jets were the problem.
Denzel Mims had loads of potential when he was drafted by the Jets, but had trouble adjusting to the Robert Saleh coaching staff and was traded to Detroit — where the team believes it can help salvage his career.
“He’s a guy that has tools,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said on Sunday, via the Detroit Free Press. “He’s a big receiver and he has speed. He has length and kind of relative of looking at what do you want to work with, this guy has the ability and let’s see if we can do something. Let’s see if a change in scenery helps this guy. … It’s the traits. We know the kid will work. We’ve heard that. He has a level of toughness about him, so we’ll see where we can take it.”
At the end of Mims’ career at Baylor, he had accumulated 2,912 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns, a sign that the receiver could be a very productive second or third option on an NFL roster.
However, due to a multitude of issues, Mims never got the opportunity to truly prove himself after the Jets drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims (11) walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. AP
New York Jets Vs. Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium – Denzel Mims #11 of the New York Jets fails to complete a reception under coverage by Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostThrough 30 games played and 15 starts, the 25-year-old recorded 676 yards without a touchdown his first three seasons.
Mims was set to enter 2023 behind Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman Jr. on the Jets receiver depth chart, likely left to battle for snaps with veterans Corey Davis and Randall Cobb.
With Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams suspended the first six games of the upcoming season for betting, Mims can expect a substantial role in the offense right away.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff is “excited” to get to work with Mims.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws during an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, June 8, 2023. AP“He’s a guy that obviously has had different things happen throughout his career, but lands here, and we’re excited about him,” Goff said.
“I’m certainly excited about him. I can’t wait to work with him. I’ve told him that. I know he brings an element to our team that we can use. As soon as he gets caught up to speed, it will be exciting to see him work with us.”
