2023 NFL Draft Profile: WR Josh Downs -

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One step after what people consider elite, first-round wideouts. North Carolina’s Josh Downs hovers. The Suwanee, Georgia native excelled during his tenure in Chapel Hill. The five-foot-nine, 171-pound All-ACC selection dazzled crowds with his ability to destroy defenses vertically. Over three seasons, two of which he started, Downs tallied 202 catches, 2483 yards, and twenty-two touchdowns. In 2021 and 2022, Downs led the ACC in catches, grabbing a spot on the Maxwell Award watchlist.

NAME

Josh Downs

POSITION

Wide Receiver

HEIGHT

5’9″

WEIGHT

171 pounds

SCHOOL

North Carolina

Strengths

Despite earning a reputation as a deep threat, Downs shows the ability to win on every route. From screens to slants to digs to a go, the prospect will make life rough for a corner. Additionally, it starts with footwork. The prospect doesn’t tip off his route or use any wasted motion to get where he needs to. From a speed aspect, Downs runs extremely well. More importantly, his timed speed matches what shows up on film. What surprises most is Downs’ ability to win by outjumping bigger corners continues to amaze. In the red zone, the five-foot-nine target uses quicks to gain separation in such a small space.

Weaknesses

First, larger cornerbacks, which could be an overwhelming majority will attempt to manhandle the former Tarheel. Downs should see a steady diet of press coverage. Also, will his frame confine him to executing strictly out of the slot? Does that affect the vertical routes, running them while bracketed by another receiver? Equally, a slight red flag must raise over the ill-timed drop. For example, wide open, trailing by four, the prospect let a wide-open touchdown fall through his grasp with the game on the line versus Georgia Tech. Lastly, the lack of NFL size presents a problem for establishing and maintaining a block.

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Ideal Role

Looking at the Seahawks and Tyler Lockett could serve as a template for Downs. Lockett, a smallish, but hyperproductive receiver, settles into the second banana role and executes. If a team employs a true number-one wideout, using a Day Two pick on Lockett makes complete sense. By forcing defenses to play the entire field, the lead wideout should see his fair share of open space. As mentioned, the entire route remains open. As a result, from the slot, Downs will present a valuable third-down option and around the fifty-yard-line, where teams can take a shot.

Potential Fits

Perhaps, no other fits better than the Minnesota Vikings. Adam Thielen left for Carolina. Someone needs to benefit from all of the attention paid to Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings need another burst of dynamism on the other side of the field. Sending Jefferson on rapid-succession go routes seems like a waste of his ability at the first two levels. Downs’ explosion would open up the field, giving Minnesota’s opponents another reason to succeed. The yards after the catch, when Kirk Cousins is on could help the Vikings immeasurably. Considering how porous their defense was, the Vikings may need to win shootouts.