Is a YAC machine and works best with the ball in hand after the catch.
Decent speed + pace
Can go through the gears and change tempo quickly
Creates exceptional separation during the route using his great body control.
Also has the skills, change of direction and bounce to make defenders miss
Is really good as a ball carrier after the catch.
Powerful through his lower body to sink his hips and be twitchy
That power means he can change direction extremely quickly and can get in and out of his routes timely
His ball tracking when going deep is surprising and he can be a deep threat
Is effective and productive in contested catch situations in college but it isn’t something you want him doing often in the NFL.
WEAKNESSES
He is small
The size means he isn’t a contested catch receiver but needs to get the ball in open space.
Will need some help with being schemed open at the next level
Lacks any sort of catch radius
Lacks physicality and functional playing strength
Will likely exclusively play on the inside
Won’t offer any run blocking
SUMMARY
Josh Downs is a dynamic, electric, elusive threat who thrives with the ball in hand. An explosive athlete, who can separate with his burst and change of direction, Downs is extremely creative and will gain production from the slot in the NFL. While he may need some scheming open and his size means he won’t be on some team’s boards, if your team drafts Downs they are getting a receiver with game-changing elusiveness and an exciting weapon.
