The Indianapolis Colts selected Josh Downs in the third-round of the NFL Draft, and fittingly, Downs has consistently been compared to a franchise legend.
After drafting a quarterback in the first round, and a cornerback in the second round, the Indianapolis Colts added some more offensive firepower in the third round, selecting North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs. The 5-foot-9, 171-pound receiver is a dynamic weapon that many people are excited to see enter the NFL.
Fittingly, one of Downs’ pro comps is a legendary receiver that played the majority of his career with the Colts. In the third round of the 2012 Draft, Indianapolis selected a smaller receiver by the name of TY Hilton. Now, 11 years later, Indy just drafted Downs in the third round, and scouts have been comparing Downs to Hilton since he’s been on the NFL’s radar.
UNC WR Josh Downs has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. His most common comparison among scouts has been T.Y. Hilton pic.twitter.com/cJjwrBdio5
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 9, 2022
Josh Downs has been compared to Colts legend TY Hilton
Hilton of course went on to become one of the best receivers in franchise history, playing 10 years with the Colts and catching 631 passes for 9,691 yards and 53 touchdowns. If Downs can carve out a career like that, Indianapolis would have struck gold twice in the third round. But, that’s a lot of pressure to put on a young player. Comparison aside, Downs is a great pick for the Colts.
In three seasons at North Carolina, Downs played in 28 games and caught 202 passes for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns. The shifty slot receiver will provide a different dynamic to Indy’s receiver room. With the much larger Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce making possession catches on the outside, Downs will work from the inside to provide the offense with speed and explosiveness.
Josh Downs on another "undersized" receiver: "T.Y. Hilton is a legend. I hope to one day have that same status as him and make the Indianapolis Colts proud." https://t.co/kcwdCn8rhI
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 29, 2023
Many expected Josh Downs to be off the board much earlier than he was, but the Colts are happy he fell to them. Now, Downs will look to build a rapport with Anthony Richardson, while possibly reminding fans of an old friend.
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