Indianapolis Colts select Josh Downs in third round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former North Carolina standout, wide receiver Josh Downs, has been selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 79 overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Downs — a 5-foot-9, 171-pound pass catcher — led the ACC in receptions both of the previous two seasons.

Coming into the draft, the former Tar Heels standout had met with upwards of 20 teams. After posting back-to-back 1,000+ yard receiving seasons, the wideout had a lot of eyes on him leading up to the draft. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine.

Teams in need of receiver help like the Dallas Cowboys had met with Downs following his Pro Day, and according to Downs his agent had told him to expect to come off the board between pick No. 25 and No. 45.

Downs played high school football at North Gwinnett, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 11 wide receiver recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Josh Downs

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein shared a look at his draft scouting report on Downs, praising his production on the field over his measurable physical stats. According to Zierlein, Downs is comparable to Kadarius Toney, and was expected to be a second-round draft pick coming into the draft.

“Free-flowing athlete with dynamic footwork and an instinctive feel for how to elude opponents,” detailed Zierlein. “Downs posted off-the-charts production over the last two seasons as an undersized slot with an oversized will. His confidence jumps off the tape and he has proven himself to be better at catching through contact than you might expect.

“While his route running is effective and fun to watch, coaches will need him to become more disciplined and efficient in order to maintain the timing of play designs. Downs might not have prototypical size, but he’s well-positioned to keep stacking catches and making plays as a starting NFL slot receiver.”

ESPN analyst Matt Miller had a similar take on Downs coming into the draft, highlighting his incredible production and pass-catching rate.

“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,” said Miller.

“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).”