The Indianapolis Colts have addressed their biggest needs in the 2023 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, they picked the player they are hoping is their franchise quarterback of the future with Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis has sought an answer at the position ever since Andrew Luck shockingly retired ahead of the 2019 season.
The Colts have some solid weapons in place for Richardson to work with led by running back Jonathan Taylor. At wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are in place as the top two options in the passing game.
While wide receiver wasn’t listed as one of their needs entering the 2023 NFL Draft, it was a position that could certainly use some upgrades. The loss of slot receiver Parris Campbell in free agency to the New York Giants was a big one and the team had yet to replace that production.
That is, until the third round of the draft. With the 16th pick of the third round and No. 79 overall, the Colts selected North Carolina wide receiver, Josh Downs. Downs is a dynamic slot receiver that possesses some explosive athleticism.
This was a long-time coming for Downs, as he revealed that he and Colts wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne had a positive interaction at the NFL Combine. Wayne told Downs that he was the best wide receiver in this draft class and it wasn’t close. He added that he needed Downs in Indianapolis and he has now gotten his wish.
Josh Downs will be a great fit in what will be a new-look offense being shaped by head coach Shane Steichen between Pittman and Pierce. Downs recorded back-to-back seasons of 1,000+ yards bursting onto the scene for the Tar Heels. He caught 195 passes and scored 19 receiving touchdowns in the last two years combined.
