JC @JCJDynasty
Josh Downs is a guy that isn’t getting as much hype as I thought he would be:
5’10 175lbs
Analytically:
35.6% Dom. Rating
19.1 breakout age (87th %)
39.2% target share (99th %)
My thoughts on the film in the comments:
#NFLDraft2023
The first and second plays illustrate how Downs is able to create separation in the slot by using his quickness or elevating above his defender.
The 3rd clip shows his ability to cut on a dime and lose his man even in the redzone where things move a lot faster and the windows are smaller, just crazy separation from Downs here.
The fourth clip shows his ability to stack his defender, manipulate with his head and burst away creating separation and an easy pitch and catch. Then the YAC ability to take a simple out route the distance. This kid is a weapon.
The 5th and 7th clips I just put in to show that Josh Downs is like that. Despite his size he won’t be backing down from defenders.
The 6th clip showcases his ability to track the ball. It’s a difficult thing to, looks more like a outfielder in baseball tracking that pass.
James Chafin @jchafin379
Who would you compare him to currently?
JC @JCJDynasty
He’s got some Tyler lockett in his game in his ability to track the ball, but he’s better after the catch than TL. I think he’s twitchy like WanDale Robinson, but a better route runner. So those would be my two players. Cross between lockett and WanDale.
@Faust we're probably overdue for a Zay Flowers stand alone thread
I often disagree with PFF draft ranks but I see they have him #2 (2023 NFL Draft Top 10 WR Rankings) while Downs is #4
NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
Josh Downs’ routes are TOO clean
Downs said that after his Pro Day workout today, the Steelers told him it was one of the “cleanest” workouts they’ve seen.
The Tar Heels WR is currently projected to come off the board within the Top-50 picks.
Travon Miles @TrayABC11
Josh Downs MOVING on the three-cone drill.![]()
Heard from one scout:
“The fastest I’ve seen.”
Joe O’Leary @TheHQNerd
Josh Downs might be on the smaller side but he checks off a lot of boxes
Early Declare
Breakout Age 19.1
Dominator 35.4
BS RYPTPA 3.49
BS TD Share 44%
BS Target Share 39.2%
The tape matches the numbers
Notes:
BS = Best Season
RYPTPA = Rec Yards Per Team Pass Attempt
Downs might be utilized mostly in the slot but he’s not your normal slot receiver
Downs is a field stretcher and a threat vertically
The NFL is changing and the little guy CAN have fantasy success.
I assume Flowers gets picked higher.Who will the NFL draft first, Downs or Flowers? Me says Flowers.
This is where I'm at.That's not to say that all things constant that I wouldn't rather have a bigger receiver. In fact, I'm probably more guilty than most in relying on size. But it's changing. And it's best to adjust one's priors before one gets left in the dust.
And now we see example after example year after year.
NBC Sports' Peter King believes the Bills are eyeing North Carolina WR Josh Downs in the 2023 NFL Draft.
King has Downs, a productive slot wideout in college, going ahead of receivers Jaylin Wyatt of Tennesee and TCU's Quentin Johnston. "I know the Bills like him, and scouts think he can be a day-one starter in the slot, which would fit with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis outside," King said. Downs averaged 8.1 receptions, 98.5 yards, 0.7 touchdowns per game during his three seasons at North Carolina. He played mostly in the slot, seeing 86 of his 104 targets from the slot in 2022. Downs would have some PPR appeal at the second or third target in the Buffalo offense. The Bills parted ways with last year's primary slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie.
RELATED:
SOURCE: FMIA
Apr 24, 2023, 12:41 PM ET
Jared Tokarz @JaredNFLDraft
UNC WR Josh Downs
Projected mid-2nd round
90% of snaps from the slot
2 straight 1,000 seasons
Someone will get a HR hitting slot in the mid 2nd.
Rondale Moore type vibes
Colts selected WR Josh Downs with the No. 79 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
A slot-only prospect because of his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame, Downs made sure to enter the NFL on the back of monster production. Still four months shy of his 22nd birthday, Downs piled up 195 catches for 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns in 24 games over his final two years in Chapel Hill. A fiery competitor, Downs compensates for his lack of size with toughness, “suddenness” and genuinely elite speed. Crafty and subtle, Downs is extremely hard to compete with out of the slot when he’s within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage. It is everywhere else that is going to be a question mark in the NFL. Adding muscle will be a must. Downs has the pedigree to become a legitimate middle-of-the-field compiler. He could enter a low-volume passing offense if QB Anthony Richardson takes over early in the 2023 season.
Apr 28, 2023 at 10:01 PM ET
NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
Josh Downs’ footwork is a thing of BEAUTY
Downs reportedly caught 6 of Anthony Richardson’s 11 completions today at Colts rookie minicamp.
The Colts got a STUD in their rookie WR.
- Josh Downs was the best/most consistent player on the field Friday by far. Downs caught everything thrown in his direction. My full expectation is Downs is the Day 1 starter out of the slot. Given Downs’ All-American type production in college, he should have been the best player on the field Friday. And he was.
Colts signed No. 79 overall pick Josh Downs to a four-year contract.
Downs should immediately slot in as Anthony Richardson's No. 3 option with Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman outside. If Shane Steichen is able to elevate Richardson's passing game early, Downs should benefit plenty from the arrangement, but that is somewhat uncertain given Richardson's relative inexperience at the position. Regardless of the short-term outlook, Pittman is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and Downs' fantasy stock would benefit greatly if Pittman left. Downs enters his rookie year in the WR4/WR5 conversation.
SOURCE: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
May 16, 2023, 5:00 PM ET
Colts WR coach Reggie Wayne said third-round WR Josh Downs was the "best receiver at the Combine."
"He's the player I think we were missing, A guy who's agile, who's versatile who can win on the option routes. I think he's the right fit for us. This draft was full of smaller guys. He stood out." Downs is expected to compete in the slot this preseason. The third-round rookie will be an immediate contributor for the Colts, and with Michael Pittman in a contract year, Downs has a path to a top-two role in 2024.
SOURCE: FOX 59
May 20, 2023, 11:07 AM ET
I like the possibility of a Downs/Richardson stackColts WR coach Reggie Wayne said third-round WR Josh Downs was the "best receiver at the Combine."
"He's the player I think we were missing, A guy who's agile, who's versatile who can win on the option routes. I think he's the right fit for us. This draft was full of smaller guys. He stood out." Downs is expected to compete in the slot this preseason. The third-round rookie will be an immediate contributor for the Colts, and with Michael Pittman in a contract year, Downs has a path to a top-two role in 2024.
SOURCE: FOX 59
May 20, 2023, 11:07 AM ET
Colts coach Shane Steichen said rookie WR Josh Downs is dealing with a knee injury.
"Josh has a little knee issue – nothing major though. I’ll leave it at that,” Steichen told the media at Colts' OTAs. The timing of the injury isn't great for Downs, but the Colts hope to have him for mandatory OTAs next month. When healthy, Downs will compete for Indy's slot role with Isaiah McKenzie.
SOURCE: Herald Bulletin
May 27, 2023, 10:39 AM ET
NFL Beat Writers @32BeatWriters
Chris Ballard on Josh Downs: “You’ll see…he’s pretty freaking good” #Colts
Jake Arthur @JakeArthurNFL
Want some Josh Downs content?
NFL Beat Writers @32BeatWriters
#Colts rookie Josh Downs is impressing as a natural slot.
“He’s open, mostly," Gardner Minshew said. "That’s a really good quality to have. ... He has a good feel for the game, knows how to create separation, knows how to run routes. Really advanced for his experience level.”
NFL Rookie Watch
Josh Downs out there COOKING Bears DB’s
Downs and Anthony Richardson have reportedly started to “ramp up” their chemistry as of late.
Shane Steichen (Colts HC) said recently that Downs can “do everything” and doesn’t drop a ball.
Downs reportedly “shined” in today’s joint practice against the Bears, consistently running with the first team.The Colts rookie WR is a DB’s NIGHTMARE.(Via DomMirandaTV/TW)