Going into the 2022 NFL season the Green Bay Packers had a number of “what ifs” at the wide receiver position. The Packers lost their top two wide receivers, Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, In the same off-season. Allen Lazard and ‘possibly’ Sammy Watkins will be vying for that number one wide receiver spot. After that it figures to be a dog fight for playing time. If the Packers feel like adding another piece for seemingly cheap, the Jets may oblige.
Denzel Mims Requests Trade From Jets
Jets WR Denzel Mims has requested a trade (or release) from the New York Jets. The former second-round pick out of Baylor would like a fresh start. Denzel Mims was a three year starter at the University of Baylor. He recorded 186 receptions, 2,925 yards, and 28 touchdowns during his time at Baylor. After two years in the NFL, it seems Mims has had issues every step of the way. Mims slid unexpectedly far in the draft and then suffered a hamstring injury before the preseason, prolonging his rookie debut until Week 7.
While Mims accounted for only 279 of the 3,009 offensive snaps played by Jets wide receivers (9.3%), he accounted for 5 of the unit’s 10 penalties – in other words, he had the same amount of penalties as every other wide receiver on the team combined. Drops were an issue. Mental mistakes. Many things that weren’t problems in his rookie season or college.
Why be optimistic if the Packers traded for him?
Denzel Mims is one of only seven wide receivers in league history to have at least 40+ receiving yards in each of their first six games. The other players are Andre Johnson, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Michael Thomas, Ceedee Lamb, and Ja’Marr Chase.
In those six games, Mims also averaged 5.4 yards after the catch and had five broken tackles on 19 receptions. At the time, Mims was starting to look like a top wide receiver who was capable of making plays with the ball in his hands. The physical tools are there for Mims, it’s just a matter of putting them together and being in the right system. The Packers could be that system.
Packers fans clamoring for the trade:
Many Packers fans responded to the news on social media by saying the Packers should target him. “Packers time”, one said. Another simply just said “Packers.” Another comment gave options saying “Packers, Cowboys, Lions, Jaguars, Falcons makes sense.”
Given Mims’ slow start to his career, the Packers would be able to get him for a fairly low draft pick. Even though he is just three years removed from a second round draft pick, Green Bay may be able to flip him for a sixth or even seventh round pick. That type of trade is extremely low risk high reward.
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