STRENGTHS

• Downs is mainly being projected at the wide receiver (WR) position for the next level. His lack of traditional size, elite burst, elite explosion, and long speed influenced his move to the multi-back (MB) position. This a position where non-traditional position players can be isolated in space, from (multiple spots) on the field, and more effectively utilize their quickness and running skills.
• He was a very productive player at the collegiate level. Which provided him the opportunity to widen his route tree over the years.
• He exhibits a healthy competitive nature on the field with his performance and versus opponents.
• Downs is a pretty crafty route runner with an innate ability to find holes within defenses. Especially in underneath and intermediate routes.
• He consistently displayed the willingness to go across the middle with favorable results.
• He does show some ability to bring in passes outside the normal catch radius, though with limited expectation.
• Downs is most effective on quick-hitting passes where his creativeness as a runner can be placed on full display.
• As a punt returner (PR) he attacks the ball and hits creases at full speed Looking to create explosion plays through his returns. This is an area of his game that can easily transfer over to success at the next level for whatever team drafts him

WEAKNESSES

• He lacks the ideal size and athleticism for the position.
• He lacks ideal long speed. As he is more quick than fast
• He lacks consistent play strength once he encounters contact from defenders. His smaller frame allows defenders to push him off routes.
• His smaller catch radius causes more contested catches from him. This encourages him to leap for passes taller receivers wouldn’t have to be concerned with.
• At times he shows difficulty high pointing and bringing in passes above his head. A lack of height limits his high-point catch radius.
• He was not as explosive after the catch as expected. Which limits his yards after catch (YAC) expectancy. Very concerning ESPECIALLY projecting him to the next level.
• Where is his catch-up speed on overthrown passes?

PROJECTED ROUND

2nd Round (Mid)

MY VALUE BOARD

4th Round

SUMMARY

• Downs can be a productive player in the NFL if placed in a favorable situation. His lack of size and explosiveness limits his projected production at the next level Which is reflected in MY Value Board.
• Though Downs does provide added value as a very effective punt returner (PR), and or special teams returner.

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Profile by: (Ken Becks aka TheScoout) 

@1stDown_Scout