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NFL Draft Prospect Profile: North Carolina Wide Receiver Josh Downs

Originally posted on JetNation.com | By Glenn Naughton | Last updated 4/9/23

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.

Said that @UNCFootball WR Josh Downs was one of our top 3 in the country coming into this season. He has not disappointed. pic.twitter.com/fEs43CJcWo

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) November 11, 2022

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.

Nice job here from @UNCFootball WR Josh Downs maintaining concentration in double coverage lining up on the boundary. Viewed as a slot only by some but has shown the ability to make plays outside as well. Likely gone in late round 1/early round 2. pic.twitter.com/7z5VG2VX9V

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) April 9, 2023

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.

This article first appeared on JetNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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