Matt Rhule calls New York Jets rookie wideout Denzel Mims a ‘worker’

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims received serious praise from former collegiate coach Matt Rhule.

It seems if it was up to Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, he wouldn’t have stopped at Robby Anderson if given the chance. There’s another New York Jets wide receiver who already has his eye at this level (and for good reason).

Rhule believes Denzel Mims has what it takes to play in New York.

The Panthers head coach recently hopped on “The Last Stand Podcast” with Brian Custer to discuss Mims’s NFL potential while highlighting the kid’s work ethic.

“I grew up in that area and I know one thing about Jets’ fans: They want toughness,” Rhule said. “They want someone who’s going to compete. They want grinders and workers, and that’s what Denzel is… he’s not going to be some guy who’s all about the headlines. He’s a worker.”

Of course, Rhule coached Mims for three seasons at Baylor (2017-2019). Now the two of them enter the NFL at the same time.

Mims, 22, was Joe Douglas’s second-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft—a choice that shocked many pundits for the mere fact the 6-foot-3 speedster was available that late.

In 40 career games at Baylor, Mims came away with 2,925 yards and 28 touchdowns on 186 total grabs. Although he may enter camp down the depth chart, realistic expectations have Mims starting opposite Breshad Perriman by the time Week 1 rolls around.

Rhule, down south, will now coach the other No. 11 familiar with the Jets in Anderson. Remember, Rhule also coached Anderson in college at Temple. How the two lanky, speedy vertical threats handle their respective situations in 2020 should be a storyline worth tracking.