The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to construct the muse of the offense round quarterback Anthony Richardson. After choosing him at No. 4 total within the 2023 NFL draft, the way forward for the franchise is within the palms of the previous Florida Gator.
However a number of rounds later, the Colts gave Richardson a brand new weapon with the choice of North Carolina huge receiver Josh Downs.
The receiver slid somewhat bit within the draft, falling to No. 79 total within the third spherical. Nevertheless, one analyst believes the choice of Downs was one of the best decide the Colts made within the draft.
Right here is why CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso loves the Downs’ decide:
Finest pure beneath, possession slot WR within the class. Tremendous-nimble. Flashes superior ball-tracking expertise in tight quarterbacks. Regardless of his route-running chops and sudden ft, he’s not a YAC weapon. Will likely be Anthony Richardson’s greatest good friend early. (Chris Trapasso)
Downs had a improbable three-year profession at North Carolina, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He got here six receptions away from back-to-back 100-reception seasons and was the go-to man for each Sam Howell and Drake Maye.
Now, the Colts hope he’s the go-to man for Richardson for years to come back.
Observe us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our web page on Fb to comply with ongoing protection of North Carolina Tar Heels information, notes and opinions.
Here is a brief breakdown of each player and what they could bring to the Colts.
Deslin Alexandre
Green Bay Packers defensive end Deslin Alexandre (49) runs through a drill during the second day of training camp on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. / Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Deslin Alexandre has no NFL statistics, but played for five years with the Pittsburgh Panthers. Colts defensive line coach, Charlie Partridge, was with the Panthers while Alexandre was there, so the familiarity makes sense.
Alexandre has been with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, and now hopes his workout with Indianapolis will give him another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
Shaquil Barrett
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Moore (11) runs the ball past Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (7) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Shaquil Barrett is the most experienced and successful of the five defenders worked out. Barrett has logged two Pro Bowls, a Second Team All-Pro, and won two Super Bowls in his NFL career (Denver Broncos – 2015, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2020).
Advertisement
Barrett also led the NFL in sacks during the 2019 season with 19.5 and has 59.0 in 132 games. While Barrett has slowed down after playing 10 years in the pros, he can still provide depth and veteran help for a defensive end-needy team like the Colts.
What happens next for the Colts? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!
Jasheen Davis
Jul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Jasheen Davis (59) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Jasheen Davis went undrafted out of the University of Wake Forest this year, but was picked up by the New Orleans Saints before getting waived on August 25th. Davis played well in college through 49 games, logging 25.5 sacks and 152 tackles.
Davis is still finding his footing in the NFL, and given how badly the Colts need defensive edge help after key injuries to Ebukam and Lewis, he has a big shot to make an impression and potentially earn a spot in the Colts’ ranks.
DJ Johnson
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson (52) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
DJ Johnson has played in the NFL for three seasons, all with the Carolina Panthers, before being released by the NFC South squad on September 30th. Throughout 31 games and five starts, Johnson has put up 62 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Advertisement
Johnson’s experience on the field was as recent as a few weeks ago, meaning his workout might be the smoothest in operation. It will be interesting to see if Johnson did enough to warrant a spot to help Indy with their edge depth.
Benton Whitley
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Benton Whitley (49) during minicamp at Cardinals training center in Tempe on June 12, 2025. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Benton Whitley played college football at Holy Cross, and was good enough to earn a spot with the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad in 2022. After that stint, he had stops with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals.
Whitley doesn’t have a lot of in-game experience in the NFL, but he has a golden opportunity with the slew of injuries to Lou Anarumo’s defense to make an impact in the Circle City.
INDIANAPOLIS — Crews from Citizens Energy are responding to a reported water main break on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
Officials with the company confirmed that the water main break occurred near the intersection of W 62nd St. and Georgetown Road.
Just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, water was seen by FOX59/CBS4 crews coming up from the street. Cars had to drive through standing water near Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and Northwestway Park on Tuesday morning.
Officials with Citizens did not provide a timetable on when the water main break would be fixed.
Advertisement
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers rookie guard Kameron “Kam” Jones has been arrested and booked into jail after police say he was driving recklessly and started a police chase on I-65.
Jones, a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was booked into the Marion County Jail on Monday morning and preliminarily charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and felony resisting arrest.
Indiana State Police said a trooper tried around 10 a.m. to pull over a car that was “very erratic” and driving recklessly on Interstate 65. A chase reportedly began near the I-65 North Split and ended near the Fletcher Avenue exit, where the driver was identified as Jones.
Online jail records show Jones is currently being held in the Marion County Adult Processing Center and that a bond has not been set as of 1 p.m.
Advertisement
Kameron Jones mugshot
The 23-year-old out of Marquette was selected 38th overall by the Spurs in June before being traded to Indiana. The Pacers signed Jones to a four-year contract in early July, but he has yet to make his NBA debut while dealing with a reported back injury.
The Pacers acknowledged Jones’ arrest in a statement sent Monday afternoon to FOX59/CBS4:
“We are aware of the situation involving Kam Jones. We are in the process of gathering additional information and will not have any additional comment on the matter at this time.”
If convicted of resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony, Jones could be sentenced to up to 2.5 years in jail and fined up to $10,000.
