Colts WR Josh Downs has been efficient through three NFL seasons, averaging 1.74 yards per route. But he's struggled for reliable fantasy value because of his role. Downs has run 81.5% of his routes from the slot and played very little in three-WR sets. That's resulted in route rates of 75%, 75%, and 67%, respectively, over his three seasons. But with WR Michael Pittman's departure, there's a chance Downs gets a full-time role in 2026. And that'd make him an exciting fantasy prospect.
GM Chris Ballard on Downs: “I think Josh Downs is freaking good. I’ve always thought he's good. I think allowing him some more opportunities, we're going to see some of the special stuff you've seen in the past, but more.”
HC Shane Steichen on whether Downs can play on the outside: "We’ll look into that this offseason, and see where that goes. But I do believe he can. We’ll get those reps in OTAs and training camp, and go from there."
Downs has run just 164 routes from the outside through three NFL seasons. But his 1.87 yards per route from the outside best his 1.72 from the slot.
What the Colts do at WR in the draft will tell us a lot about Downs' 2026 outlook. It's currently Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin, and Laquon Treadwell behind Downs and Alec Pierce on the depth chart. If Indianapolis doesn't add to that group within the first few rounds, Downs will have a good shot to play full-time snaps this season.
Such a role would make him a good bet for at least WR3 numbers, especially in PPR leagues. His current WR51 ADP is not baking in that upside.
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