Derek Carr impressed by Jordan Mims: 'He's really taken the bull by the horns'

Training camp is in full swing for the New Orleans Saints with the season on the horizon, and multiple players have already stood out, including running back Jordan Mims. He’s making the most of his opportunity with Kendre Miller on the mend with a hamstring injury.

Quarterback Derek Carr spoke to just how much Mims brings to the table in a recent interview before Saints training camp.

“There’s so much talent. He is doing such a phenomenal job. He’s really impressed me,” Carr told Stephen Hicks at ABC 30 Fresno.

Mims, Carr and backup quarterback Jake Haener all share the Fresno State connection, and while Mims was Haener’s teammate and not Carr’s, the veteran passer was still certainly keeping up with his games on the field for the Bulldogs. Mims finished out his Fresno State career with 3,290 rushing yards and 37 touchdown runs on 680 carries, also catching 91 passes for 971 yards and another 8 touchdowns receptions.

“I knew the kind of player he was, obviously, watching him in the (Fresno State) games,” Carr said. “Then you get around him and he’s an even better person. And the coaches are so impressed with him. He’s doing some really great things.”

To Carr, the possibilities of how Mims can contribute to the Saints offense, particularly in the ground game, are endless. He played his best football in a similar offense built around zone blocking concepts.

Carr continued: “And so I think the sky’s the limit for him. And I’ve told him ‘If you don’t make it, I’m taking it personal, it’s my fault.’ I’ve just been trying to pour into his life, just encouraging him. He’s really taken the bull by the horns and just crushed it. He’s done a great job.”

Entering his second season in the NFL after he was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie after the 2023 NFL draft, Mims will look to capitalize on the opportunity he’s been presented with in New Orleans for another year. Mims saw action in just two games for the Saints last season, but did not record a carry or a reception while primarily helping out the kickoff coverage squad on special teams.