Carolina Panthers: Five potential draft targets in the Senior Bowl

Denzel Mims, WR — Baylor

Easily one of the best receivers in the 2020 Senior Bowl, Denzel Mims is one of the more athletic playmakers at his position in this year’s senior showcase. Mims had at least 1,000 yards receiving in two of his seasons at Baylor, and finished his career with 186 catches and 28 touchdowns. Like all the other players on this list, Mims was named a first-team all-conference player in 2019. In fact, he finished third in the Big 12 in yards, fourth in receptions, and second in receiving touchdowns.

At 6’3,” 215 pounds, Mims is bigger than any receiver on Carolina’s current roster, and would be a welcome addition to the 2020 team. Brandon Zylstra and Chris Hogan were the team’s only receivers over six-feet tall in 2019, and they combined for just 16 catches for 173 yards and no scores. That being said, the Panthers were clearly lacking a big threat on the outside this past season. In addition, they were also one of the worst teams at throwing the ball inside the red zone. DJ Moore showed he can be great, and Curtis Samuel continued to show promise this past season; however, the need a big receiving target can never be underestimated.

Going back to thedraftnetwork.com’s scouting report one last time, it is Mims’ size and catch radius that make him so intriguing. A former track star, he is big enough and fast enough to provide a serious red-zone threat at the professional level, and is a good route-runner for a bigger receiver. As with any prospect, Mims comes with his own concerns, his being run-blocking and effort. Fortunately for him and for any team who drafts him, those issues can be coached out of him. The familiarity between Mims and Rhule, as well as new wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson, makes the former Baylor star worth taking a long look at in the middle rounds.