Josh Downs Complete NFL Draft Profile (Don't Be Shocked if Teams Reach for Stud UNC Wideout)

North Carolina wideout Josh Downs has terrorized the ACC over the last two seasons, earning some well-deserved hype ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. He's an exciting prospect that could blossom in the right environment, making him a name to watch through the first few rounds.

Here's everything you need to know about Josh Downs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Josh Downs Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/18: Walter Football, Sporting News, Draft Tek, Pro Football Network, ESPN, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay.

Projected Draft Round: Round 2 (5), Round 1 (1), Round 3 (1)
Projected Team: Packers (1), Jets (1), Patriots (1), Ravens (1), Panthers (1), Bills (1), Giants (1)

Josh Downs Scouting Report

Josh Downs was a key factor in any success that North Carolina saw in 2022. The talented wide receiver led the ACC in receptions (94) for the second straight year, turning them into 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 22 TDs that Downs racked up since 2020 rank 24th-most in the ACC since 1956.

Scouts rave about Downs' footwork as well as his blistering speed. His impressive leaping ability also helps his efficiency as a red-zone target. He knows how to run routes well, so even if he doesn't wind up with an elite quarterback, he'll still be an effective contributor.

Having said that, Downs is only 5-foot-9, meaning he'll likely be limited to a slot role. He isn't the strongest player, either, meaning he occasionally has a tough time getting by bigger defensive backs at the line. His lack of blocking skills can make him a liability in the run game.

Josh Downs NFL Draft Prediction

Despite any shortcomings he may have, there's no denying Downs' solid potential. He'll more than likely be off the board by the end of Day 2, meaning any interested parties will need to make a play for him early on.

With the Indianapolis Colts likely taking a quarterback fourth overall, I could see them adding Downs in Round 2. Outside of Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce, the Colts don't have any other wideouts with high upside. Adding a playmaking speedster like the UNC product would change that.

A trio of Pittman, Pierce and Downs could do some damage for years to come as they each bring something different to the table. I don't see Downs staying on the board long, though, meaning Indianapolis will likely have to use its second-rounder on him.

Prediction: Indianapolis Colts (Round 2, 35th overall)

Check out more NFL Draft content from The Duel:

Josh Downs NFL Combine Results

Josh Downs North Carolina Stats

Josh Downs North Carolina Highlights

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.