While first-round selections in the NFL draft typically get most of the attention, it’s the picks on Day 2, like Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who offer some of the highest value.
Downs, who surprisingly fell all the way to the third round, was scooped up by the Colts with the No. 79 overall pick. Even with a formidable duo of Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce leading the depth chart, Downs has a chance to carve out a big role during his rookie season.
Pro Football Focus agrees as well, labeling Downs among the “potential non-Round 1 rookies who can be immediate starters.
Downs was an absolute steal for the Colts in the third round at No. 79 overall, ranking 38th on PFF’s big board. He’s an elite route runner who was one of the best underneath separators in the class.
He’s limited to only being a slot receiver at 5-foot-9, 171 pounds but should compete with Isaiah McKenzie for that starting job in Indianapolis. Seeing as McKenzie has fewer than 1,400 career yards in six years, Downs could end up as the starter immediately.
Considering the amount of 11 personnel being used across the league, the slot wide receiver role has turned into a starting position for most offenses. The same will be true under new head coach Shane Steichen, who constantly had the Philadelphia Eagles offense in 11 (three wide receivers) and 10 (four wide receivers) personnel.
Downs is a far cry from the typical wide receiver archetype we’ve seen in Indy over recent seasons. The biggest knock is his size at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds. That’s about where the concerns stop.
While his size may keep him in the slot, Downs is a crafty route runner with reliable hands and the ability to make plays at all three levels of the field. Despite his size, Downs was one of the best contested-catch artists in the draft class.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the rookie was the starting slot receiver in Week 1. He’s already beginning to build a rapport with Anthony Richardson over the middle of the field, and his ability to win quickly should aid the development of the rookie quarterback.
We’ll see how much work Downs gets with the first team when training camp arrives at the end of July, but there’s a strong chance he opens the season as the starting slot receiver.
Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
