Things have not gone that well for new Detroit Lions receiver Denzel Mims career. At one point in time, Mims was one of the top receivers coming out in the 2020 NFL Draft. Many teams were in on him in the pre-draft process. He wound up going to the New York Jets in the second round

That's when things started to go bad. Mims never quite caught on in New York. Whether it be his issues with route running or going through four different quarterbacks and two different offensive coordinators, Mims just could not catch a break. 

I'm sure that's a big reason why Mims went to the Jets and requested a trade during training camp last year. The Jets wound up not moving him and he played out the year with them. This year Mims got his wish and the Jets traded him to the Lions for a conditional sixth round pick. The condition of that pick is that Mims has to make the Lions 53 man roster. 

Now that Mims is in Detroit it's going to be interesting how things work out for him. At his first media availability with the team, Mims was asked if he had a chip on his shoulder. His answer was plain and simple. 

"Shit, yeah." 

That's the response you want to hear if you're Dan Campbell. The Lions have been big on bringing in players that have a bit of an edge to them and want to show up and show out. Mims appears ready to give it all he has to do just that. 

It won't be an easy road for Mims though. Last year the Lions carried five receivers into the season. If they plan to do that again this year, most of the field is pretty filled out already. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones and Josh Reynolds anent going anywhere. That leaves Mims fighting for that fifth spot. By the way, I'm sure five will turn into six once Jameson Williams returns. 

Mims has everything you want from a body type and athleticism standpoint. He's 6-foot-3 and runs a 4.38 forty. He could easily be the Lions X receiver if he makes the 53 man roster. 

Dan Campbell echoed all those sentiments on Sunday when he as asked why the Lions made a trade for Mims ahead of camp. The big question from Campbell will be the big question from everyone. 

“Let’s see if a change in scenery helps this guy.”

The Jets are everyone's fun team right now since the addition of Aaron Rodgers, but they have long been a chaotic mess that's been constantly evolving. The Lions have a much more steady approach these days and have been working strongly on continuity. Ben Johnson and Antwann Randle-El are two guys that Mims can really benefit from being around. It seems like he's already enjoying his time with one of them. Mims spent extra time working with Randle-El after Sunday's practice.

Can Mims turn his career around in Detroit? Only time will tell. He certainly won't be the first guy to do so during this regime. 

Featured image by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK