“Except for [Michael] Pittman,” he said. “I want Pittman here. I want [Alec] Pierce here. Let’s keep Quenton Nelson. Let’s keep DeForest Buckner. Let’s keep Kenny Moore. I like Kenny Moore.”
Yes, the Colts should certainly keep Pittman, Pierce, Nelson, who’s perhaps a future Hall of Famer, Buckner, and Moore on the roster. But Josh Downs needs to be retained as well. He could turn out to be a star in the not-so-distant future.
Hold Up Pat McAfee, the Colts Need to Keep Josh Downs, Too
Josh Downs’ Career To Date
Josh Downs played his college ball at North Carolina. During his three seasons with the Tar Heels, he recorded 202 passes for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns. Downs played his final season at UNC with current New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. That year, he caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also named first-team All-ACC in both 2021 and 2022.
The Colts then Selected Downs in the third round (79th overall pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He would have a solid debut season, catching 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns. He broke the Colts’ rookie reception record, which Bill Brooks set back in 1986.
Downs has missed three games this season due to injury. Yet, he has produced 62 receptions, 709 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He has also returned 16 punts for 162 yards.
Why the Colts Need to Hang on to Downs
Colts general manager Chris Ballard might be fired following this season. The team has only reached the playoffs twice during his eight-year tenure.
Ballard has been reluctant to make blockbuster trades and pursue big-name free agents. However, he has made a ton of excellent decisions when it comes to the draft. Taking Downs was one of his smartest ideas. Downs is one of the most productive slot receivers in football. Earlier this season, Colts head coach Shane Steichen had great things to say about the second-year receiver:
“He is one of the smartest, cerebral players I’ve ever been around as a young player. Knowing coverages, how to attack it, finding the dead spots. And I think he’s only gonna develop and continuing to grow in that area.”
Downs possesses the ability to create quick separation and work into open space from the slot. He’s an immensely talented receiver who has the potential to be special.
The 7-9 Colts have been disappointing this season. As a result, several major changes could take place this offseason. McAfee said the team should trade star running back Jonathan Taylor. That’s unlikely, but you never know. And who knows if the Colts will choose to move on from quarterback Anthony Richardson. But if a big-time rebuild occurs, getting rid of Josh Downs would be a huge mistake.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
