Denzel Mims experienced quite the rookie season with the Jets, being thrust into a freshman campaign that featured nagging hamstring injuries, a turbulent 2-14 season, and a global pandemic.
Of all the frustrating turns that the 2020-21 season took for Mims and the Jets, he told Moose & Maggie that the helplessness of not being able to be out on the field for the first six weeks was the worst part.
“I’d say the mental part was the toughest,” Mims said. “You’re not able to be out there and you obviously want to play. When you’re hurt and not playing, you go to a very dark place and it’s hard to get out of that. I think the mental side was the toughest part. I try to stay positive for the most part.”
Mims talked with numerous veterans on the team during his time off the field, and also spent plenty of time with offensive assistant Hines Ward, all in an effort to push through what was a gruelling first three months of his NFL career that saw no playing time and plenty of frustrating losses.
“It was tough seeing them play and I’m not able to be out there, and we’re losing at the same time, which doesn’t make it any better,” Mims said. “With the injuries, it was kind of tough. I expected to come in and make an impact immediately, but with my injuries I wasn’t able to do that. So I just kept my head down and kept trying to grind.”
Mims did fight his way back and made his NFL debut in Week 7 against the Bills. The second-round draft pick went on to miss just one game the rest of the way, but over the last four games of the season, Mims was targeted no more than four times. The Baylor product believes his touches will increase as the offense has more time to develop.
“It wasn’t tough to get open,” Mims said. “I think it was just…there was a lot going on in the offense. Sometimes plays were designed for me, sometimes not. It’s more of just timing. We just need time in the pocket. I’m not saying that in a bad way. I think we have great offensive linemen. We just needed time to work on a lot of things, and we really didn’t have much time for that.”
A major focal point for the Jets’ offense moving forward will be the future of the quarterback position. Sam Darnold labored through another underwhelming year, but with the Jets now losing out on the top draft pick and Trevor Lawrence, Darnold could get another year and a closer look.
Mims wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Darnold back under center next season.
“I like Sam a lot,” Mims said. “I think he’s a very good football player and a good leader. I have nothing bad to say about him. He’s a great friend also. I talk to him a lot. I just think he’s a great overall player and person.”
One major part of Mims’ rookie season that won’t return is head coach Adam Gase, who was fired hours after the season finale. Mims has only shared a few text messages with new head coach Robert Saleh so far, but wished Gase the best after his contentious tenure in New York.
“I had a very good time with Adam,” Mims said. “We had a lot of good conversations. We met a lot to look at film and talk football, which was great to do. He taught me a lot. I enjoyed my first year with him. I wish nothing but the best for him wherever he lands. I think he’s a great person overall.”
Now, Mims’ focus turns to his sophomore season. He has already begun working with wide receivers coach Miles Austin, and hopes to show Jets fans what he can do with a fully healthy season in the NFL.
“I’m just going to go out there and show them my game,” Mims said. “Just put my head down and grind. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team.”
Listen to Mims’ full segment with Moose & Maggie below!
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