CBS Names Colts Rookie WR as Potential Sleeper

So much of the focus on the NFL Draft is on the first round, especially early analysis, that players taken later can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

That's especially true for the Indianapolis Colts who drafted not just their quarterback of the future, but arguably the most intriguing player in the entire draft in Anthony Richardson.

However, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports named a player on each team taken beyond the first round who could make noise as a potential sleeper.

With 12-draft picks, that exercise was a little tougher for the Colts, but Trapasso settled on third-round pick Josh Downs.

Downs will be the extension of Indianapolis' run game in 2023. Particularly with Shane Steichen calling the plays and a rookie quarterback in the shotgun. Steichen was part of the coaching staff that provided Justin Herbert with plenty of easy, schemed-open targets in his rookie season of 2020 then followed by being part of the staff that constructed a cozy environment for Jalen Hurts in 2021. Downs will be the main recipient of Steichen's RPO game and receiver screens of every variety. He's ultra quick and has sneaky explosiveness. Plus, he tracks the football like he's 6-foot-2. -- Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

Trapasso also pointed out the incredible production Downs had at UNC with 198 catches across his final-two years in Chapel Hill.

Saying he tracks the ball like he's 6'2 is meaningful for a wide receiver who measured 5'9 and 171 pounds at the NFL Combine. His 38.5" vertical leap may have something to do with that.

Downs plays bigger than he measures, and his ability to make something happen after the catch will be key to getting him on the field early for the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft picks

1st: Florida QB Anthony Richardson (No. 4 overall)
2nd: Kansas State DB Julius Brents (No. 44)
3rd: North Carolina WR Josh Downs (No. 79)
4th: BYU OT Blake Freeland (No. 106)
4th: Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore (No. 110)
5th: South Carolina CB Darius Rush (No. 138)
5th: Cal S Daniel Scott (No. 158)
5th: Miami TE Will Mallory (No. 162)
5th: Northwestern RB Evan Hull (No. 176)
6th: Wagner edge Titus Leo (No. 211)
7th: Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones (No. 221)
7th: Northern Michigan OT Jake Witt (No. 236)