North Carolina Tar Heels star wide receiver Josh Downs has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He has also informed the team that he is skipping the Tar Heels matchup against the Oregon Ducks in the 2022 San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl. Downs is considered a top wide receiver prospect and a probable first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The All-ACC wide receiver made the move official on Friday but hinted at the decision after the team’s 39-10 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game.
born, bred, dead.. ? pic.twitter.com/3TEnDBryUz
— Glory to God. (@JoshDowns) December 9, 2022
In his three-year career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Josh Downs caught 202 passes for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns. As a punt returner, he returned 27 kicks for 282 yards in his college football career. In his two prominent years as a wide receiver for North Carolina, he built chemistry with both now-NFL quarterback Sam Howell and likely future NFL quarterback Drake Maye. His tenure with the program highlighted why he is so highly sought after heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
In his career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Josh Downs was named an All-ACC wide receiver twice. He finished fourth in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches in North Carolina program history. Downs said he came to this decision after speaking to his father Gary Downs who is a former NFL wide receiver. Downs told ESPN and the media the following: “I decided to take it to the next level and declare for the NFL draft.”