Anybody who has paid close attention to what the Chicago Bears have done in the past week for NFL free agency can see a pattern. Of the nine players they’ve added thus far, five of them have come on the defensive side of the ball. Only two of their moves on offense can be considered possible starters in tight end Jimmy Graham and quarterback Nick Foles. Both are good players but not enough to improve the 27th overall offense from last season. One position they could use a boost is wide receiver, which would explain their interest in Denzel Mims.
General belief around the NFL community is that this 2020 draft class is one of the richest in terms of wide receiver talent seen in years. Five players have received 1st round grades alone with six others lingering on the fringe. One of them is Mims. A bit of an unknown out of Baylor at the end of last season, he quickly flew up draft boards thanks to standout performances at the Senior Bowl and then the scouting combine.
Some think he could sneak into the 1st round, but if not he’s a virtual lock for the top half of the 2nd. Right where the Bears are drafting. Hence their interest in him.
Denzel Mims has loads of ability the Bears need
Mims is what one would call the ultimate upside prospect. A 6’3 receiver with good hands, leaping ability and 4.38 speed. He can be a vertical threat in any offense along with a knack for big plays in the red zone. These are all qualities the Bears need more of in their receiving corps. The big question with him is polish. He’s not the best route runner and gets outmaneuvered by defenders a little too often.
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Even so, there is a belief he’ll end up going in the 1st round anyway.
This wouldn’t be a huge surprise. Hyper athletic prospects with size always tend to go earlier than some expect. Mims topped 1,000 yards twice in three seasons for Baylor and scored 28 touchdowns. He was a consistent force in their passing game while helping former head coach Matt Rhule turn the program around. He would bring some much-needed playmaking ability to the passing game.
