Denzel Mims NFL draft profile and fantasy projection

Denzel Mims used his great speed at Baylor to stretch the field, totaling 186 receptions for 2,925 yards (15.7 per reception) and 28 touchdowns. Mims had quarterback Charlie Brewer throwing him the ball in a good but not overly receiver friendly offense. But Mim’s ability on the field and at the NFL combine is there to see and many NFL evaluators will fall in love with his skill set.

Scouting Report

Mims uses his speed and catch radius to win more than his physicality and at 6’3” 204 pounds, he has room to grow into his NFL body to develop even more as a physical receiver. But, there is no doubt he has the stuff to succeed at the NFL level and with a 4.38 40, he will no-doubt draw the defenses attention.

His speed and innate ability to catch errant throws with ease will make up for some concentration lapses. He won’t be able to do that in the NFL with as much regularity, so he’ll need to buckle down and have his come to Jesus moment at some point, but there is little doubt he has the stuff to become a great receiver if he goes all in.

His combine results likely pushed him up many draft boards and also got teams looking into him more closely and they should like what they see as far as potential. Teams also may be discouraged by his effort at times, which could drop him off their early board all together. But, his potential isn’t just being a good receiver, it’s being a great receiver.

Mims has a catch radius the size of Mars, with unfathomable leaping ability, tremendous concentration and body control in the air, and the hand strength to snag and secure balls at the very extent of his considerable frame. While he doesn’t have amazing vertical push in his routes, it is more than sufficient to threaten man coverage and regularly open up back-shoulder windows outside of the numbers. — Joe Marino, The Draft Network

Mims is a long-striding outside target with excellent height, weight and speed and an insane catch-radius. He’s a touchdown threat anytime he’s near the red zone, with the focus and body control to finesse and finish catches above the rim. He struggles to release and separate from physical press corners, and he doesn’t consistently compete and outwork opponents for positioning on contested catches. If the route work and intensity catch up with his natural athletic ability, he could become a dangerous “Z” receiver in a vertical offense — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Mock Draft Results

Mel Kiper, ESPN: Vikings
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Packers
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: Vikings
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: 2nd round

Fantasy impact: Rookie year

If Mims lands in a spot he is assured work early on, he has the ability to put up big plays in the NFL. His consistency won’t be there, but if he’s in an offense that has room for multiple fantasy receivers, his ability to high point passes around the goal line should come in handy. The Vikings and Packers both have a good shot at grabbing him and both would be able to use him early in his career. Both spots are strong for his fantasy value.

Fantasy impact: Career

I’m all in on Mims in dynasty drafts. This is a strong draft class, but Mims has just as much potential as the Jerry Jeudy’s and CeeDee Lamb’s of the world. I’d take their safety ahead of Mims, but he’s a top-half of the first round rookie draft player for me.