Jets depth chart: Denzel Mims could be thrust into WR1 duties

Will Denzel Mims find himself atop the Jets depth chart at wide receiver?

The New York Jets depth chart at the wide receiver position is not exactly inspiring a ton of confidence leading up to the 2020 season.

The Jets made the wise decision to focus on the offensive line with their primary offseason assets, spending some free agent money on center Connor McGovern, tackle George Fant, and using their first-round pick on Louisville’s Mekhi Becton.

Investing in the offensive line was non-negotiable for the Jets, but they have found out the hard way that a roster cannot be built overnight.

The Jets’ cupboard at wide receiver was somewhat bare anyway, but not using a first-round pick at the receiver position really put them in a tough spot.

They signed Breshad Perriman in free agency after his strong season in Tampa Bay, but outside of Perriman, their most prominent veteran offseason pickup was former first-round pick Josh Doctson.

Thanks to the depth of the 2020 NFL Draft class at wide receiver, the Jets may have gotten a huge stroke of good fortune in the second round when Baylor’s Denzel Mims was still on the board.

Mims lit up the 2020 Senior Bowl and had a tremendous career at Baylor with 2,925 yards in three seasons along with 28 touchdown catches. He followed that up by running a blazing 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine and dominating almost every other drill.

Denzel Mims athletic profile

The question now becomes — Is Denzel Mims poised for a WR1 role with the Jets in 2020?

Jets 2020 WR depth chart (projected)

• WR1: Denzel Mims
• WR2: Breshad Perriman
• SLOT: Jamison Crowder
• WR4: Josh Doctson

Again, this group doesn’t exactly inspire confidence and it probably isn’t a group you’re going to rush to play with on Madden 21 but it’s a start for the Jets.

Mims, in particular, is going to have to prove he’s ready for a massive role in New York’s offense.

Jamison Crowder led the team last season with 122 targets and 78 catches to go along with six touchdowns, but the Jets lacked a true ‘alpha’ at the position and Mims has the physical tools to fit right in.

He also has the alpha mentality at the receiver position. Mims is a see-ball, get-ball kind of playmaker and a real weapon in the red zone.

With Perriman capable of taking some of the pressure off on the other side, Mims should see his fair share of single coverage and he can help the Jets’ passing game take a step forward in the 2020 season.