Mims believes he’s shown enough to be a starter for the Jets. While the numbers game is working against him, the talented wide receiver must wait his turn and stay ready.
Cut-down day as come and gone in the NFL, rosters across the league are set and depth charts are being finalized for Week 1.
It’s still the league where to play for pay. For Mims, however, the 24-year-old wide receiver just wants to earn his money in the position he feels should be his.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Mims voiced his continued frustration at his situation.
The situation for Mims is his not getting a full opportunity in the offense. He believes he’s a starting wide receiver in the NFL, however playing time to prove his belief doesn’t appear to be coming just yet.
Coming off a campaign last season, with little to no playing time, the frustration is mounting for Mims.
“I feel like I already pretty much [showed I could start], from OTAs until now,” Mims said (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini).
“I mean, they’re pretty set on who they want. I feel like, yeah, I feel like [the coaches] have made their mind up, honestly. But I feel like I can change their mind on that. I feel like I’ve been doing that. Their minds are pretty made up, though.”
Mims did recently request a trade; however, the Jets have been strategic in their approach with getting what they believe is fair value for the former second-round draft pick.
Mims also mentioned that he expects to be inactive for the Jets Week 1 contest against the Ravens. Moreover, he noted that he doesn’t have any issues playing special teams – an indication he really doesn’t want to play somewhere else, but it’s just about making the most of his opportunities.
“I wouldn’t say he wants to be somewhere else; he wants to play,” GM Joe Douglas said. “He wants to start. Denzel is very confident. He has voiced that, that he wants to be a starter. Ultimately, you want a team full of guys that feel like they should be the No. 1 guy.”
The Jets have a depth chart at wide receiver which is stacked. One look at the chart and it’s difficult seeing where Mims can get the time he feels is deserved.
Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Garret Wilson are all ahead of Mims. For the Jets, it’s one of those good problems for a team to have.
In the NFL, fortunes can turn with one play. Opportunities to get on the field have a way of materializing into reality.
Mims must stay ready so that he doesn’t have to get ready. While the Jets value his skill set and what he brings to the field – it’s his attitude and approach to the game which will come under the microscope this season.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
