Matt Rhule: Jets Fans Will 'Love' Denzel Mims After NY Took WR in 2020 NFL Draft

Denzel Mims was the 13th receiver selected in the 2020 NFL draft, but his college coach at Baylor believes the New York Jets got a steal with the No. 59 overall pick.

"He's a guy that Jets fans are going to love," Matt Rhule said, per Al Iannazzone of Newsday. "He's blue-collar, tough guy, but yet he still runs 4.38 (40-yard dash). He's going to be a deep-ball threat. He's got great hands, really, really smart, really tough and competitive."

Rhule is the new coach of the Carolina Panthers, who used their first two picks on defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos.

Mims fell in the second round to New York, giving second-year quarterback Sam Darnold a potential go-to weapon down the field.

The 6'3" receiver was an impact player throughout his college career, totaling 182 catches for 2,901 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns over the last three years.

Beyond the numbers, he also came through when it mattered most.

"When it was crunch time, he was who we went to," Rhule said. "I think that's something that's innate. Lots of guys have stats but they disappear at the end of games. Denzel did not disappear."

The three seasons under Rhule saw Baylor go from 1-11 in 2017 to 11-3 in 2019, while Mims was a key part of turning around the high-powered offense.

He will now try to improve a Jets offense that ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards last season, including 29th in passing yards. After losing Robby Anderson to free agency, the team was especially desperate to find help at receiver.

Mims could now have a significant role early in his career alongside Jamison Crowder and free-agent signing Breshad Perriman.