Background

NAME: Josh Downs

POSITION: WR

SCHOOL: North Carolina

HEIGHT: 5’10”

WEIGHT: 171

CLASS: 3JR

HOMETOWN: Suwanee, GA

HIGH SCHOOL: North Gwinnett

DOB: 8/12/2001

GAMES WATCHED: North Carolina State, Florida State, Virginia Tech

Career Stats

• 2020 (10 games): 10 targets with 7 receptions for 119 yards and 3 TD. 1 rushing attempt for -3 yards. 1 drop.
• 2021 (13 games): 144 targets with 101 receptions for 1335 yards and 8 TD. 10 drops.

Analysis

Downs reminds me a bit of DeSean Jackson, a similarly sized receiver with a similar skill set. Downs is a very explosive pass catcher who runs routes with quickness and decisiveness. He has absolute burner speed and can blow through all levels of the secondary, making him lethal with the ball in his hands. After the catch, he can really work his way down the field thanks to slippery change of direction skills. He’s tasked with a very diverse route tree: flats, through the middle, on a post, on a curl, you name it and he can run it well. Primarily has been used a slot receiver but he can line up as an X. As far as things to watch out for with Downs, I have to mention his size. He is 5’10” and right around 170-180 pounds. That smaller stature puts him at a disadvantage for contested catches. A smaller issue which may be more nit picking than anything is he takes a lot of stutter steps before he breaks on his routes to the point where it feels unnecessary. Lastly, he does have the occasional drop; he had ten total in 2021. 2021 was the first time that Downs started a full season so obviously there is a lot of room to grow. While he is primarily a slot receiver I don’t believe that diminishes his value. I think Downs should have a phenomenal full second year of starting and should improve on where he went wrong in 2021.

Tier: Round 1