As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Josh Downs.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Downs (WR – North Carolina)
5’10” – 175 lbs.
Background:
Uncle is former pro cornerback Dre Bly, and also played for the Tar Heels in college; father Gary is an assistant coach at East Tennessee St. Caught seven passes, including three touchdowns, as a true freshman, then established himself as North Carolina’s top weapon the following year, one in which he put together a massive line of 101-1,335-8 (13.2). Was nearly as productive this past season, with a 94-1,029-11 (10.9) line.
Positives:
Highly productive college receiver with pro bloodlines. Primarily lines up in the slot but does take quite a few snaps as a boundary receiver. Smooth accelerator with solid overall speed. Knows how to keep defenders off-balance by changing speeds when releasing at the line of scrimmage. Sinks his hips and adds window-dressing at the stem and was able to get separation on some deeper targets (slot fades) as a result of his route-running. Nice stop/start on whip/jerk and option routes often allows him to beat man coverage (frequently runs near the goal line). Uses his hands well to slip by opponents sitting in off-coverage. Reliable pair of hands. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Shows the ability to pluck the ball away from his frame; good flexibility and body control to adjust to throws away from his frame. Able to go up and high-point passes down the seams. Can be a chippy blocker. Has some experience returning punts.
Negatives:
On the smaller side for a pro receiver, which will likely relegate him to the slot. Overall, route tree in college was pretty simple, with a lot of in and out-cuts mixed with overs, hitches, and curls. A lot of his production during the games reviewed came on easy completions underneath off-coverage. Gets knocked off of routes easily by physical opponents and may struggle to deal with bigger/stronger pro corners. Settles into coverage underneath rather than improvising to create lanes for the quarterback. Gets upfield quickly on slip screens but isn’t the most elusive runner after the catch. Bad body language at times. Often content to obstruct opponents rather than engaging with his hands.
Summary:
A pretty savvy route-runner who shows the quickness and attention to detail to create separation and who isn’t purely an underneath target, showing the ability to stack or freeze defenders on deeper patterns from the slot. Has the look of a player who should be able to contribute from the slot sooner rather than later, although he may struggle to deal with the physicality of the pro game, at least initially.
Projection: Round 2
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