ESPN draft expert reveals NFL comparison, best team fits for Josh Downs

After an incredibly productive year alongside quarterback Drake Maye, North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs is off to the professional ranks, where he’ll be picked in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. With so many talented playmakers entering the fold in this cycle, ESPN draft analyst and insider Matt Miller took some time to evaluate who he and the scouts view as the best 10 wideouts in the draft.

Of course, Downs was included on the list, ranked at No. 6. Miller offered his own analysis of the UNC WR and also included some high praise from a few actual NFL scouts who are in the process of evaluating him. So check out the quotes below from two separate scouts, along with Miller’s own opinion on Downs. Plus, he names one current NFL receiver he’d compare to Downs, then lists teams where Downs would be a perfect fit.

First Scout

“He’s really good if you can get past the size, which I think limits him to a slot-only role. For some teams, that’s no problem, and for others, it’ll push him down the board. He’s a safe top-50 guy, though.”

Per this scout, size is a limiting factor for Josh Downs, since he can really only play the slot. However, he’d still take him in the first two rounds.

Second Scout

“Rarely do we see smaller receivers with the ability to play the ball in the air as well as Downs does. I mean, watch him against Clemson or Wake Forest, and tell me he’s not a top-32 guy.”

So this scout totes Downs’ excellent ball skills despite his size. Even though he’s not very lengthy, he still has some of that sort of elite playmaking at the catch point.

Miller’s take

“NFL teams looking for instant impact ability out of the slot will love Downs. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior racked up 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns while lining up on the inside of the Tar Heels’ passing game. Downs is quick and has excellent acceleration.

“Downs had 50 first-round receptions (12th in the country) and hauled in 93.1% of his catchable targets (first among pass-catchers with at least 100 targets).”

Player comparison: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

Best fits: Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys