Offseason Training: WR Josh Downs Rookie Profile

UNC WR Josh Downs is one of the best route runners and red zone threats in the 2023 NFL Draft.

North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs led the ACC in receptions for two straight seasons. He averaged 98.5 yards per game his final two years of college and made multiple appearances on ACC and NCAA top ten lists.

Gifted as a route runner, nimble and shifty, Downs excels at making defensive backs look silly. He'll fake one way, enticing the man trying to cover him to shift his hips, then be gone in the opposite direction, leaving the embarrassed defender to chase him. Steve Smith called him the “footwork king.” He excels in the red zone.

But at just 5' 9” and 171 pounds, can he make it work at the professional level? How high can he be drafted, and what can fantasy managers really expect from him?

I will answer these questions about UNC WR Josh Downs and breakdown his strengths and weaknesses here. Let's get started.

This is part of the Mitch’s Picks Offseason Training Program!

In the article, you will see Downs’ strengths, what he can do for you in fantasy football (or for your real life NFL team), his weaknesses, and his possible draft destinations and fantasy rank. Sign up now! Read it for free today and remain a member if you like it!

Tale of the Tape:

• School: North Carolina

• Year: Junior

• Height: 5' 9”

• Weight: 171 lbs 

• Arm Length: 30 3/8”

• Hands: 9 1/4”

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.48 sec (20th-best WR)

• 10-Yard Split: 1.49 sec (tied 11th-best, 3rd-best WR)

  WBG84 @WBG84

  UNC WR Josh Downs has some hops for a 5-9, 171 pound receiver. Plays big. Not afraid going up for contested catches. Displays quality ball-tracking, concentration, balance, adjustment and hands for 50/50 balls. Also able to extend for passes away from his body. #NFLDraft