Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.
Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.
I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is wide receiver Josh Downs. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.
2023 Season Review
Josh Downs was the Colts’ second-round pick in 2023 and he came in and made an immediate impact in Shane Steichen’s offense, which Downs is an excellent fit for, with his ability to win one-on-one matchups and operate in space.
Downs finished his rookie season, catching 72 percent of the passes thrown his way and totaling 771 yards with two scores. Among all receivers, Downs was seventh in yards from the slot, and he ranked sixth among rookie receivers in total yards.
On the Colts, Downs was one of the team’s most productive players, leading the offense in missed tackles forced and average YAC. He also had 30 first downs gain and 10 receptions of 20-plus yards.
According to PFF, Downs was considered open on 80 of his 94 targets, generating an open-target rate of 85.1 percent, which ranked as the 10th highest rate among all receivers.
“I mentioned this a whole bunch about Josh – the feel he has for the game growing up in a football background being around it, the way he prepares week in and week out is huge,” Shane Steichen said during the season.
“You see the growth, you see the steps that he makes week in and week out. … He continues to make big-time plays in big-time situations for us. If we can continue that, he’s going to have a really bright future.”
2024 Season Preview
We often hear about the second-year leap for NFL players. With a full offseason to work on their craft, along with the added comfortability of being in the same system for a second year, successful players often make their biggest developmental jump at this stage of their careers.
“I’d say the biggest difference is a year under my belt,” said Downs about being in Year 2. “More comfortable with the coaches, all the players, and just the whole environment. So more so just trying to own my role and taking to that.”
Downs appears poised to make that jump. In large part because of the growth he will experience, but the added playmaking around him with the addition of AD Mitchell and Jonathan Taylor healthy can create more opportunities for Downs to exploit. During offseason programs with Michael Pittman sitting out, Downs was a top target for Anthony Richardson.
Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle noted that in one practice, between the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, Downs must have caught “double-digit balls” and that his chemistry with Richardson was “undeniable.”
When Downs met with reporters last month, he mentioned that some points of emphasis for him this offseason were refining his release package, identifying coverages, and finishing certain routes.
Wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne is also helping Downs prepare for the fact that opposing defenses will be game-planning for him more this season.
“That comes with understanding the offense more,” said Downs about heading into his second season. “Just knowing what the other receivers, even the tight end running, and then knowing the run game better as well.
“And then just having a year under your belt. You know the level of competition that you’re going to go against now and you see what type of players you’re playing against each and every week.”