Colts get a big gift for Anthony Richardson by drafting Josh Downs
The Indianapolis Colts landed their next face of the franchise in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Anthony Richardson is set to take over and be the quarterback of the future for first-year head coach Shane Steichen. Richardson is entering a situation with some talent on offense. He will have Jonathan Taylor with him […]
The Indianapolis Colts landed their next face of the franchise in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Anthony Richardson is set to take over and be the quarterback of the future for first-year head coach Shane Steichen.
Richardson is entering a situation with some talent on offense. He will have Jonathan Taylor with him in the backfield. Quenton Nelson headlines the offensive line. Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce are weapons on the outside.
Indianapolis has added another playmaker for Richardson to get the ball to and Steichen to scheme up for. The Colts drafted North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs early in the third-round – a pick that appears to be a steal based on value.
Downs was ranked as the No. 41 overall prospect in the 2023 draft class by the consensus big board. Yet, Indianapolis was somehow able to add him to the team with the No. 79 overall selection.
That's quite the pick for the Colts. Downs had 19 touchdowns over his final two seasons on the collegiate level. He's a big-play waiting to happen and is also a quarterback's best friend thanks to his ability to consistently get open.
Which makes him a gift for Anthony Richardson. The Colts were certainly thinking about their first-round draft selection when making their third-round pick on Friday night. Downs just so happens to excel on an area where Richardson has room to grow.
The North Carolina wideout will be able to slide right in and play in the slot for Indianapolis as a rookie. Indianapolis signed veteran Isaiah McKenzie for a similar role, but Downs features more upside and will be able to develop with Richardson.
It's important to surround your quarterback with quality weapons. Especially a rookie quarterback that will be paired with a first-year head coach. Therefore, the selection of Josh Downs makes so much sense for the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis wants Anthony Richardson to have the resources necessary to succeed. Adding a consistent playmaker like Downs to the offense has a chance to pay dividends quickly.
