Colts draft WR Josh Downs - Round 3, Pick 79

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Colts draft a WR to pair with their new QB

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1652131207474290691

The Colts take WR Josh Downs at No. 79, a clean slot WR from a football family.

His dad played in the NFL, as did his uncle Dre Bly.

https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/stat...30922227986435

The Colts take North Carolina WR Josh Downs at 79, and that's a great pick—hyperproductive slot from a football family who'll probably play a decade in the league.

A gift for Anthony Richardson.

https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/st...31033138044933

Josh Downs will start in the slot for the Colts from Day 1, I think. And that's a really fun WR corps.

https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1652131192068616195

Josh Downs was drafted with pick 79 of round 3 in the 2023 draft class.

He scored a 8.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00.

This ranked 309 out of 3,062 WR from 1987 to 2023.

[CletusPyle]

Ty II

[Ironshaft]

Originally Posted by CletusPyle

Ty II

No....he comes out next year!

But I really like the Downs pick. Not the prototypical Ballard WR but this kid was just productive in college!

[ChaosTheory]

Much different than the mold we've been going after in recent years. This is a solid route runner with sure hands. More like a Manning-era WR. Also returned punts.

[ChoppedWood]

Watched him several times, kid has moves and quicks. Definitely in the TY mold and there is nothing wrong with that.

[Oldcolt]

Steichen’s input?

[Dam8610]

Downs plays bigger than 5'9". Interesting they drafted him after signing McKenzie. They must want slot covered.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by Dam8610

Downs plays bigger than 5'9". Interesting they drafted him after signing McKenzie. They must want slot covered.

It often takes a year or 2 for a WR to develop, McKenzie gives the now, and Downs can do special teams and develop. it is also not like McKenzie has some crazy contract if the Colts decide to move on from him on there is really no reason to overthink this.

[omahacolt]

Originally Posted by Butter

It often takes a year or 2 for a WR to develop, McKenzie gives the now, and Downs can do special teams and develop. it is also not like McKenzie has some crazy contract if the Colts decide to move on from him on there is really no reason to overthink this.

that has changed some in recent years. wr's are coming into the league way more pro ready than they used to

mckenzie was paid nothing.

[Chromeburn]

Downs excels against zone coverages. In my Richardson breakdown, I talked about how AR will force teams to play zone defenses because of the threat of his running. Teams will constantly be spying the backfield afraid he will take off.

Seems Ballard is starting to build for Steichen's offensive needs.

On a sidenote, Reggie told Downs on the phone that he needed him before the draft and that he was the best receiver in the draft hands down.