Packers: Why Denzel Mims makes sense in first round of draft

The Green Bay Packers desperately need a wide receiver. In the first round, look no further than Baylor’s Denzel Mims.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers have expressed interest in Denzel Mims, opening the possibility they could select him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

And for good reason. Mims, who dominated at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, has flown up draft boards and deserves to be in first-round consideration.

Mims ran an impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, causing scouts and analysts to double-take. This time was third-best among all wide receivers, and he also led the position in the three-cone drill.

Clearly, Mims is a phenomenal athlete. But the 6-foot-3 wide receiver also has an outstanding catch radius which could make him Aaron Rodgers‘ best friend in no time.

Mims didn’t just perform well at the combine, but the production is also there.

Over the past three seasons at Baylor, Mims put up 2,901 yards with 28 touchdowns, averaging just under 16 yards per reception.

NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote that “Mims is a big-play generator on the outside and has all of the tools to develop into a complete receiver.” He’d be a great fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense and could complement Pro Bowler Davante Adams.

Paired with Adams, the Packers could have an excellent receiving tandem to stretch defenses and give coordinators nightmares. It’s made all the more challenging for opponents considering the ever-efficient Rodgers is the one throwing the ball their way.

Green Bay is yet to add a pass-catcher this offseason, but the draft is loaded with talent at receiver. The Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2002, or even in the opening two rounds since Adams in 2014. There’s every reason for that to change this year, and Mims would be a fine choice on Day 1.