Surprise pick at number one in this 2023 NFL mock draft

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

The crop of 2023 wide receivers all seem to be of the smaller variety, while the bigger receivers are seen later in the draft.  Is this a result of the wide-open college game being a better fit for the smaller, shiftier receivers and; therefore, being more productive?  I don’t know but Josh Downs falls into this category, coming in at 5’9″ and weighing 171 pounds.

The Philadelphia Eagles already have A.J. Browns and DeVonta Smith but adding another dynamic weapon like Downs will only make their offense that much more explosive and this seems to be the direction of the league these days.

Downs recorded a 40-time of 4.48 and Next Gen Stats scored him with an athleticism score of 77, 19th among all combine wide receivers.  As you might imagine, Downs projects as a slot receiver at the next level, where he’ll be able to utilize his open-field abilities to make plays.

His route running, while not elite, is effective but some concerns with a lack of discipline in his routes, which can be coached and improved. He was ultra-productive at North Carolina, compiling 202 receptions (all but seven of those came in his final two seasons), 2,483 yards, and 22 touchdowns.

Also of note, during his final season at North Caroline, Downs caught more than 72 percent of his contested catches and 754 yards came after the catch, which was third best in the country.