Rookie Scouting Profile: Josh Downs

FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Josh Downs (WR)

Josh Downs (WR) North Carolina

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
5-9	171	4.48	08/12/2001	1-2	1.08	Tyler Lockett

College Production

Three-sport star out of North Gwinnett (Georgia) where he stood out in football and track, Downs enrolled early at North Carolina as Georgia’s No. 9 ranked wideout. Saw action in four games as a true freshman, reeling in seven of 10 targets for 119 yards and three scores. Downs was promoted to the starting lineup in 2021 and earned All-ACC first-team honors after ranking fifth in FBS with 101 grabs (148 targets) for 1,335 yards, and eight touchdowns. Repeated ACC accolades in 2022 and was named to the second-team AP All-American squad after catching 94 of 120 targets for 1,029 yards and 11 more scores. Also was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award in his final season with Tar Heels.

Strengths

• Knack for getting up to top speed in a hurry, including coming out of breaks.

• Acceleration, vision, and long speed are indicative of a player who is going to break a lot of big plays and churn out a ton of yards after the catch in the pros.

• Plays far bigger than size indicates. Downs routinely came up with contested catches, including a stellar 72.2% (13-of-18) contested catch rate in 2022. Uses body and leverage well to create space and outmuscle bigger defenders.

• Tied for 10th with 86.5 receiving grade from PFF.

• Experience as a plus punt returner.

• NFL bloodlines. Father Gary was an NFL running back and his uncle is former Rams cornerback Dre Bly.

Areas for Improvement

• Struggled to get off the line of scrimmage in press coverage from stronger, press corners.

• Lack of size is likely to force Downs into a slot role in the NFL.

• Route running was a bit unpolished but should improve with NFL coaching.

• Negative presence in downfield and run blocking, but not from lack of effort.

• Lowly Speed Score of 80.2 ranks in just the 12th percentile. Weight is in the 2nd percentile.

Fantasy Outlook

Josh Downs was a target hog at North Carolina and fits the profile of a productive slot receiver in the NFL. He was able to get consistently open downfield and is adept at creating space and shielding off defenders. Downs could develop into a trusty first-down option and build a solid rapport with his quarterback. There’s also enough speed to be a solid deep threat in one-on-one situations.

Some scouts like Downs as a top-5 wideout in this deep class and there is an outside shot that he slips into the bottom of Round One. Downs is a solid PPR get in the bottom half of the first round of rookie-only drafts. He also warrants WR4 attention in redraft and dynasty start-ups.