Sep 18, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs (11) catches a touchdown in the end zone as Virginia Cavaliers free safety Joey Blount (29) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
While this year’s NFL draft may not be quite as deep as it has been in recent years at wide receiver, North Carolina‘s Josh Downs is one pass catcher who can be an impact player right away. Projected to go anywhere from late round 1 to early round 2, Downs has the ability to offer big plays from the slot, occasionally from the boundary and also as a punt returner.
Name: Josh Downs
College: North Carolina
Position: Wide Receiver
Number: 11
HT: 5′ 9”
Wt: 171
Arm Length: 30 3/8”
Hand Size: 9 1/4”
40 yard dash: 4.48
10 yard split: 1.49
Vertical Jump: 38.5”
Broad Jump: 10′ 11”
Games Watched: Pitt (2021), Virginia (2021), FSU (2021), Duke (2021), Wake Forest, Miami, Clemson.
Downs uses his crisp route running and elite body control to make one big play after another. Be it of the traditional variety, leaping, or diving for a deep ball while fully extended. All he does is make plays.
Downs was a part-time player for the Tarheels in 2020 but exploded on to the scene in 2021 when he logged 101 catches for 1,335 yards and 8 scores. He followed that up in 2022 by showing the previous season was no fluke, registering 94 catches for 1,094 yards and 11 scores despite playing in two fewer games.
His, explosiveness, quick feet and change of direction allow Downs to create separation down the field while also giving him the opportunity to make big plays after the catch in the screen and short game.
His height will be Downs’ biggest drawback at 5′ 9”, but as more and more teams look to run schemes that call for quicker receivers to get open in a hurry and make plays after the catch, Downs will likely hear his name called no later than the middle of round 2, but don’t be at all surprised if he goes in round one.