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The Indianapolis Colts selected North Carolina WR Josh Downs with the No. 79 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Getting this pick from the Carson Wentz trade during the 2022 offseason, Downs will compete for a starting role right away as a slot option with some upside as a vertical threat with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the outside.
A two-year starter and true junior, Downs is one of the most productive and athletic receivers in the class. Over the last two seasons at North Carolina (24 games), Downs recorded 202 receptions for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns.
He’s an incredible athlete and put on a show at the NFL combine. He posted a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-11-inch broad jump. That shows up on tape as Downs not only shows off shifty route running, but he also is one of the best contested-catch receivers in the class.
The biggest knock on Downs is his size. At 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds, Downs isn’t going to win with size, and it’s going to keep him from seeing reps on the outside. This is especially true because of his limited reps against press coverage.
However, Downs is a fantastic slot option. He can get separation quickly, has the springs to high point the ball and plays much bigger than his size. He also does enough as a YAC receiver and can add a vertical element to the offense.
Downs may never see starting reps on the outside, but he should be the favorite to be the WR3 behind Pittman Jr. and Pierce considering his skill set.
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