Josh Downs 2023 NFL Draft

Josh Downs 2023 NFL Draft

This 2023 NFL Draft scouting report on Josh Downs is from Justin Caballero of Digging in the Trenches. Check below this draft profile to see links to more prospects.

2023 NFL Draft: Josh Downs, WR, UNC

Grading scale: 1 Poor 10 Elite COD: Change of direction

Caballero describes Josh Downs as being very quick with really good hands. This 2023 NFL Draft prospect out of UNC has the dog factor. Downs goes all out to make plays during the game. He does anything he can to help the team win. Though he is smaller than some WR prospects, he gives solid effort in blocking downfield.

But, it is Downs receiving skills that make him an intriguing player. Runs excellent routes by using quick movements anywhere on the field but really pops in the red zone. Explodes in and out of his breaks. Has above average speed but is even quicker than fast. He might not break many tackles. Yet, still gets yards after the catch by using his quickness.

Josh Downs gets the job done in a lot of areas with the ball in his hands. He can be used as a deep decoy as well. Caballero says that Downs has elite change-of-direction skills. A natural skill of getting separation at the line of scrimmage and can leave defenders grasping at air. As mentioned, Josh is not the biggest of the WR prospects but has room to add muscle at the next level. Fun to watch.

By the Numbers

Receiving & Rushing Table
						Receiving				Rushing				Scrimmage
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
*2020	North Carolina	ACC	FR	WR	4	7	119	17.0	3	1	-3	-3.0	0	8	116	14.5	3
*2021	North Carolina	ACC	SO	WR	13	101	1335	13.2	8	0	0		0	101	1335	13.2	8
*2022	North Carolina	ACC	JR	WR	11	94	1029	10.9	11	0	0		0	94	1029	10.9	11
Career	North Carolina					202	2483	12.3	22	1	-3	-3.0	0	203	2480	12.2	22

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 2/22/2023.

The Prospect Sheet

Josh Downs attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia. He had several offers aside from his choice of UNC. Tennessee, Temple, Oregon, Penn State, and others had an interest in this talented WR. (Source: 247sports.com)

Downs will partake in the NFL Scouting Combine.

Draft Projection: 1st or 2nd round

Overall, Caballero says that Downs will be a productive receiving threat in the right scheme.