The Indianapolis Colts introduced in a shift and explosive expertise to go together with their rookie quarterback by choosing large receiver Josh Downs within the third spherical of the 2023 NFL draft.
Downs, a real junior, brings an elite manufacturing profile, engaging athleticism and a ability set that’s uncommon on the Colts roster.
Beginning with the positives, Downs is without doubt one of the finest route runners on this class. He understands range his tempo on routes, and he’s extremely explosive popping out of his breaks. He ran a various, NFL route tree at Chapel Hill so he’s now the uncooked receiver kind we’re used to seeing Chris Ballard draft.
Downs is a shifty participant who beats man protection with consistency and understands discover gentle spots in a zone. He catches practically every thing thrown his manner, evidenced by his 101 and 94 reception marks during the last two seasons.
Regardless of his dimension, Downs has that dawg in him. He’s unafraid to win on the catch level and is without doubt one of the finest contested catch receivers on this class. He performs a lot greater than his peak and weight on the catch level.
The scale, nevertheless, is a crimson flag. It’s seemingly the rationale he fell to the third spherical. At 5-foot-9 and 171 kilos, the ceiling is capped if we’re simply historic comparisons. Whereas the Colts consider he can play on the boundary, it is going to be finest to maintain him in a task that options free launched away from press protection.
It’s not that Downs can’t beat press protection—he confirmed flashes of doing so in school—but it surely’s extra that he hasn’t had loads of expertise towards it. With Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the surface, why not make the most of his shifty route working capacity and dependable palms within the slot?
General, this was a really good decide at a spot the place the Colts wanted so as to add a starting-caliber participant. Downs can present the shifty, beneath targets vital on third downs, however he additionally has proven the power to win downfield. It wouldn’t be a shock in any respect if he’s the beginning slot receiver in Week 1.
Grade: B+
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