Will Josh Downs Become a Star for the Indianapolis Colts?

Although he hasn’t played a regular season game yet, rookie Josh Downs could eventually morph into a household name for the Indianapolis Colts.

The talented wide receiver was selected by Indianapolis in the third round (79th overall pick) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Just because he wasn’t taken in the first round like fellow wideouts Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison doesn’t mean he can’t become an NFL star down the road.

Is Josh Downs a Future Indianapolis Colts Star?

College Star

Downs is coming off an exceptional collegiate career as a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels. During his sophomore season, he caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, he produced 94 catches, 1,029 receiving yards and 11 TDs.

Downs had six games with 100 or more receiving yards in 2022, including a 15-reception, 166-yard effort against Virginia. He also put up 154 yards and three touchdowns versus Wake Forest.

The two-time First-Team All-ACC selection finished his career with 202 receptions (third-most in UNC history) and 2,483 receiving yards (fourth-most).

Solid Preseason Performer

During the Colts’ first preseason game, which was a 23-19 road loss against the Buffalo Bills, Downs caught two passes for 29 yards, including an 18-yard reception.

The Georgia native appeared in all three preseason games this year, collecting four receptions on seven targets for 49 yards. He also averaged 12.3 yards per reception and 5.0 yards after catch.

Downs earned the No. 3 receiver spot, beating out Isaiah McKenzie, who was cut following the final preseason game, but then re-signed by the team.

Downs’ addition Gives the Colts an Exciting Pass-Catching Corp

Wide receiver Parris Campbell was finally healthy for the Colts in 2022-23. However, he left the team and signed with the New York Giants this offseason.

Although Campbell is out of the picture, the Colts still have a solid, young pass-catching group that includes the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, and Downs.

Pittman and Pierce are considered the top two wideouts on the roster, but Downs should emerge as a quality slot receiver.  While he isn’t the world’s biggest receiver (just 5’9″ and 171 pounds), he possesses dynamic athleticism and has the speed needed to create separation from defenders.

Becoming a Weapon for Anthony Richardson

Downs, of course, wasn’t the most well-known player that the Colts drafted this year. The team took former Florida Gators star Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick, hoping he’ll become the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for since Andrew Luck’s 2019 retirement. He will need as much help as possible to succeed as a starting NFL QB. Having a play-making wideout like Downs to throw to should only make like easier for him right off the bat.

Downs is a crisp route-runner, has a knack for getting open, and knows how to haul catches. Don’t be shocked to see him form a dangerous quarterback-receiver duo with Richardson in the not-so-distant future.

Over the years, the Colts have employed top-notch receivers like Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, who is currently the team’s wide receiver coach, and T. Y. Hilton more recently. Downs can emerge as one of the main steals of the 2023 draft and later develop into Indy’s next star wideout.