Former North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs had to wait a little longer than he envisioned to be selected in the 2023 NFL draft. But when it came time for his name to be called, the receiver found a new home in a rebuilding offense.
The Indianapolis Colts took Downs in the third round at No. 79 overall, adding him to an offense that is led by No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. The hope is that the duo can be the future of the franchise as they are in a critical rebuild.
After the selection of Downs, the receiver met the Colts media and revealed that a former Indianapolis great told him he was the ‘best receiver in the class and it wasn’t close.’
New Colts WR Josh Downs: "I was talking to Reggie Wayne a few weeks ago. He told me he needed me."
After his workout at the combine, Wayne told Downs he was the best receiver in this class — and it wasn't close.
Safe to say Coach Wayne is a happy man tonight.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) April 29, 2023
That’s some high praise by a really good receiver in Reggie Wayne.
Wayne spent 14 seasons in Indianapolis, catching 1,070 passes for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns playing with both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck in his career. Following his playing career, Wayne joined the Colts as a wide receivers coach in 2022.
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