Denzel Mims remains positive as he plays catch-up on Jets' WR depth chart

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Denzel Mims is frustrated that he’s not a part of the Jets’ receiver rotation, but he’s trying to remain positive and show the coaches he deserves to play.

"Just grinding each and every day doing extra work, just trying to make sure that I’m ready to start my preparation one-on-one," Mims said following practice Thursday. "I just try to do everything right to make sure I’m ready and try to do everything to get back in, well, to get in the starting lineup."

This is all new to Mims, the Jets’ second-round pick out of Baylor last year. He called it "different," and said he’s trying to be supportive and cheer on his teammates.

Mims was expected to be a fixture on the outside and someone who would use his size and strength to make big catches when the Jets needed. He had 23 receptions for 357 yards in nine games as a rookie.

But this is a new coaching staff. Mims — who has been playing catch-up since a nasty bout of food poisoning kept him out of OTAs — has been active in just two of the Jets’ four games this season.

Mims played a total of 13 snaps and has been targeted just once. He caught that pass in Week 1 in Carolina for a 40-yard gain.

"Of course, it’s frustrating," Mims said. "I’m a competitive player. Of course, every player wants to start, wants to be a starter. Everything don’t go your way. I just got to control what I can control and just come in each and every day and put good things on tape and hold my head high and be positive."

This was the first time Mims has spoken to reporters since the Jets’ preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 14. His lack of playing time has been a major topic and has raised a lot of questions.

The way the Jets offense struggled to move the ball for much of the first three weeks, it was surprising they couldn’t find a spot for Mims. Making it more confounding was the Jets have had some injuries at receiver. Jamison Crowder missed the first three games. Keelan Cole and Elijah Moore have missed one each.

Robert Saleh has indicated that Mims doesn’t know all the receiver positions in the Jets’ system well enough. He also said returner Braxton Berrios, a slot receiver on offense, and gunner Jeff Smith, have value as special-teams players.

Mims is currently behind Corey Davis, Crowder, Moore, Cole, Berrios and Smith on the depth chart.

"I can’t control their decisions," Mims said. "One thing I can control is my effort and my attitude. I got to do that. I got to make sure I have a positive attitude and my effort’s got to be great."

Mims said neither have lagged. He said the coaches have talked to him multiple times about what they expect from him, and he’s trying to meet those expectations.

"I’m doing everything I can to get everything right and do what they want and need me to do," Mims said.

Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur have talked about Mims raising his play in practice the last few weeks. That doesn’t guarantee that he will play this week when the Jets travel to London to face the Falcons.

Mims was active last week with Moore and Smith out with concussions. He played just three snaps and wasn’t targeted. Moore is expected back Sunday, which means Mims could be inactive again. He said he hasn’t been told anything yet.

"As of right now, I should be playing," Mims said.

The trade deadline is next month. Mims was asked if he wanted to be traded by then to a team that would give him a bigger role. He responded, "I’m not worried about that," and his focus is just on Friday’s practice and Sunday’s game.

Mims went into greater detail about his illness in the spring and the overall impact it had on him. He said it set him back "in a big way."

"Every day, all day I was just throwing up," he said. "I wasn’t able to do anything. I was just trying to survive, honestly."

Mims lost 20 pounds, but he’s gained most of it back. He also feels he gotten up to speed with the system and the playbook.

"I’m caught up," Mims said. "I’m ready."

The Jets coaches may feel differently.