Mr. Reliable, aka Colts rookie WR Josh Downs

The Indianapolis Colts' 2023 draft class is already looking to be a solid return on investment for the team. With 1st round pick Anthony Richardson already being announced as the team's starter.  There's another of the class that is starting to separate himself from the pack and appearing to be a significant day one contributor, […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) returns a kick against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium.

The Indianapolis Colts' 2023 draft class is already looking to be a solid return on investment for the team. With 1st round pick Anthony Richardson already being announced as the team's starter. 

There's another of the class that is starting to separate himself from the pack and appearing to be a significant day one contributor, and that is WR Josh Downs. 

The Colts drafted WR Josh Downs out of North Carolina with the 79th pick in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But per a team source, "Downs has looked like a first-round talent so far this offseason."

Downs has started getting more reps with the Colts starters through training camp. It seems that it will be hard for the Colts to keep the talented WR off the field. Downs shared early on in training camp that he is rooming with a fellow rookie and now starting QB Anthony Richardson. The two have built a solid relationship, dating back to Down's sharing the story of the two playing catch in the hotel parking lot ahead of rookie minicamp. 

I reached out to a team source asking about Downs increased time with the starters as of late, and the response I got was a glowing review "He (Downs) is going to be Mr. Reliable for us this year and beyond. The way I see it, if we are down one score late in the game, and it's 3rd down, and we absolutely have to have a completion to keep the game alive. The guy that we will look to get that completion is Downs. I think he is going to be that type of WR, and to get that in the 3rd round is unheard of." And if you are wondering if the coaching staff believes he would make the play for the team well, head coach Shane Steichen had this to say after yesterday's joint practice " 

Downs clearly has impressed the Colts brass so far through training camp and should only see his role increase from this point forward. Given his current pace, it is plausible that he will be the starting slot WR by week 1. The stock of Josh Downs is pointing up, and I think it is only a matter of time before it absolutely takes off. 

Featured Image By: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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