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Mims has been one of the biggest draft-board risers of the offseason, and his tape backs up the hype. What does the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine stud offer to the Bengals? Let’s examine his profile.
Denzel Mims
Wide Receiver
Baylor
Height: 6-3
Weight: 207
Pros: Mims stands out on film with excellent speed and the ability to win in contested situations. He has very good hands and makes great adjustments to the ball in flight and wins in jump-ball situations.
He demonstrates the ability to get separation, is hard to catch with the ball in his hands, and his 4.38 40 at the combine was even better than expected.
Mims did not run a wide variety of routes in college, but what he runs, he runs well. He shows attention to detail and intelligence in his route-running that will aid him in developing a deeper repertoire.
His size combined with his effort as a blocker makes him an asset in the run game as well.
Cons: He did not have to work with an expansive route tree at Baylor so he may have a bit of a learning curve in year one. As a result, he would probably be best suited for a team that would not require him to be the primary pass-catcher right away.
Although he shows some nuance in his routes, he is not great at effecting the cornerback with his release. Developing this skill will help him get open for quicker hitting routes and give him a head start on deeper routes.
Red Flags: None
NFL Comp: Alshon Jeffery
Bengals Fit: Mims has the makings of a potential WR1 in the NFL. With the uncertain injury outlooks of both A.J. Green and John Ross in addition to neither currently being under contract in 2021, Mims could be the Bengals’ future at wide receiver. They could use 2020 to develop his route-running while creating a role to work him into the lineup.
Draftability: An impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and another at the combine has caused Mims’ stock to soar. As a result, he might not make it out of the first round. If the Bengals have a chance at him at 33, it will be their only chance they get him.
Summary: Mims has all of the physical tools to develop into a true WR1 in the NFL. If he gets good coaching and becomes an elite route-runner, he could be a standout performer for years to come.