Josh Downs ninth among NFL rookies in receiving yards
Josh Downs is among a long line of impressive UNC receivers to hear their names called in the NFL Draft – Hakeem Nicks, Ryan Switzer, Mack Hollins, Dyami Brown.
Downs spent his final two collegiate years torturing opposing defenses with his big-play ability, ending his Tar Heel career with 2,483 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Those totals ranked him fourth and second in school history, respectively.
The Indianapolis Colts liked what they saw in Downs, so much that they used the 79th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on him.
That selection appears to be paying off, as Downs is tied for ninth among NFL rookies with 124 receiving yards.
The Colts got exactly what they needed in Josh Downs, a chain moving slot receiver.
Heck of a grab from the third-round pick out of North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/r63KdbIpYu
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) September 17, 2023
Downs has reached 30 receiving yards in each of his first three professional outings, including a season-high 57 in the Colts’ wild, 22-19 overtime win against the Baltimore Ravens last weekend. Downs also led the Colts with 12 targets in the same victory and finished second in receiving yards.
With a young, talented quarterback in Anthony Richardson slinging the ball in Indianapolis and another young, talented receiver in Michael Pittman Jr. opposite himself, Downs is in the perfect situation for his first professional football season. He takes the field next on Sunday, Oct. 1, as Indy hosts the Los Angeles Rams at 1 p.m. ET.
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