Phone Call From Jared Goff Gave Denzel Mims Confidence

Denzel Mims is wasting no time learning Lions playbook.

New Detroit Lions wide receiver Denzel Mims is excited about his new opportunity to showcase what he can accomplish out on the football field. 

Despite being new, the talented wideout has been learning Detroit's offensive playbook and feels comfortable already. 

"I already got the system kind of down. I've been in it," Mims expressed. "Been in early, getting in early, staying late. Pretty much got the playbook down already."

On Monday, Mims had a productive practice, including making a one-handed grab on a toss from Nate Sudfeld. 

Mims acknowledged that he had a chip on his shoulder, given how he was utilized with the Jets in the first part of this career. 

More: Day 2 Detroit Lions Training Camp Observations

“S**t, yeah. For sure. Damn right, I got a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” Mims expressed. “It’s time for me to show it, though.”

When asked just how much he wanted to prove in Detroit, given his stint in New York was a disappointment, the former second-round NFL draft pick indicated Ben Johnson will allow him to do a lot more than the Jets allowed. 

"Real big. I finally get to go out here and show what I can do and play every position I want to play and just get to do everything I want to do, just not some stuff," Mims said. "So, I'm thankful."

.@erikschlitt talked about this play -- and Mims' overall impressive day -- in his observations here:https://t.co/pB4YPea8C3 https://t.co/vxLMckn95U

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) July 24, 2023

First impression of Jared Goff

When Mims first received word that he was traded, the first player to reach out and give him a phone call was Detroit's veteran quarterback. 

"I love him. A great quarterback. I'm glad to be here with him," Mims said. "I watched him a few growing up, so I'm just excited, honestly."

The conversation, which lasted for nearly 30 minutes, left the young wide receiver feeling more confident he was in the right place. 

"We talked about 20 or 30 minutes and he just told me how the players are around a bit, how the coaches are," said Mims. "And man, he just we just got in the playbook right away. And so he got me ready to play day one.

"Honestly. It means he believed in me. It means that he see a lot in me," Mims continued. "And to have a quarterback like that, you know, that gives you a lot more confidence, like I said earlier. So I'm just thankful."

Mims had also been working out this offseason with Trinity Benson, who put in a good word regarding the coaching staff and the players on the roster.