Jets trade down, take Baylor WR Denzel Mims in 2nd round

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets got a much-needed playmaker on offense, taking Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims with their second-round pick in the NFL draft.

The Jets originally had the 48th overall pick, but traded down Friday night with Seattle and received the Seahawks’ second-round selection (No. 59) and their third-rounder (No. 101). New York now has three third-round picks.

It was believed New York would target a wide receiver at No. 48, but several players at the position — including Clemson’s Tee Higgins, USC’s Michael Pittman Jr., Colorado’s Laviska Shenault and Penn State’s K.J. Hamler — were all drafted in the second round before the Jets went on the clock.

They still ended up getting a player who should be able to immediately help coach Adam Gase’s offense as a speedy playmaker for quarterback Sam Darnold. General manager Joe Douglas recently told reporters he promised Darnold’s parents last summer that he’d get playmakers and protectors for the young signal caller.

The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Mims remained on the board when the Jets’ pick came up again and Douglas grabbed him.

Mims had 66 catches for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for Baylor. He’ll help fill the void left when Robby Anderson, the Jets’ top receiver, signed with Carolina last month in free agency.

The Jets drafted Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton with the 11th overall pick in the first round Thursday night.