Chicago Bears: 5 possible early draft targets at WR
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears WR Draft Prospect: Josh Downs – UNC
2022 stats: 94 catches | 1,029 yards | 11 touchdowns
What he brings to the table
Josh Downs is an electric slot receiver with elite speed and acceleration that makes him a threat before and after the catch. Despite being undersized, he was also very productive in the red zone, recording 19 touchdowns in his last 24 games at UNC. Downs also has a very advanced route tree, making him a threat at all three levels of the field.
How he fits with the Bears
At 5’10″ and 175 pounds, it’s hard to envision Downs being more than a pure slot receiver at the next level. And while he has the necessary skills to flourish in that role, whoever drafts Downs will have to be imaginative to get him involved. With that said, Downs is far from a gadget player and could be a great value pick if size concerns cause him to fall past the first round.
The overall pairing of Downs and Chicago is imperfect. The Bears desperately need an outside receiver, and Downs isn’t that. However, he’s very talented and has a chance to be available past the first round, which can’t be said about some of the other receivers on this list, and would make a day-one impact.