Mims’ speed, contested catch ability project him as high pick
Editor’s note: One of a series of profiles on draft prospects who would fit the Broncos’ needs.
In a historically deep draft for wide receivers, Baylor’s Denzel Mims said he “more than definitely” believes he is a bona fide firstround pick.
That is a realistic possibility for Mims, who’s projected to be a late first-round selection when the NFL holds its draft this month. Underlying the confidence Mims has in himself is the
Daingerfield, Texas, native’s ability to reel in contested catches. Per Pro Football Focus, he led the nation with 20 of those in 2019.
“(My coach and I) did a lot of drills that had me get pushed around while I still have to catch the ball,” Mims said at the combine. “We stayed late after practice, and I had to catch 100 contested balls. And if I don’t catch them, I’m going to be there all night. If I drop one, we start over. We just work on it every single day. And it turns out I’m good at it.”
A three-year starter for Baylor, the 6-foot-3, 207-pound Mims accumulated 186 catches for 2,925 yards and 28 touchdowns during his college career. Those stats had him on many scouts’ watch lists, but it was his performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL combine that caused the 22-year-old’s draft
stock to rise.
“You want to nail the process by having a great year, a great all-star game and then doing well at the NFL combine,” analyst Mel Kiper said last week. “(If you do that), you’re going to soar up the board, and Mims did just that. I think between the 19th and 25th pick is a great spot for him.”
Mims officially met with the Broncos at the combine, where the former Texas high school state champion in the 200 meters ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. He also posted a position-best time of 6.66 seconds in the threecone drill, and he could be a viable option when it comes Denver’s turn to select at No. 15 overall. The Broncos are looking for a plug-and-play complement to No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton.
And even with all the recent hype, Mims is aware of where he needs to improve most.
“I feel I can do a better job transitioning out of my routes and running my routes,” Mims said. “That’s what I’m taking pride in and getting better at."