North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, per his Twitter account.

The North Carolina Tar Heels team took a bit of a loss today to the 2023 NFL Draft, as their leading receiver from the past two seasons, Josh Downs, has declared officially for the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s been a two-year starter in their offense.

The surprising announcement that LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte would not declare and instead remain at LSU in 2023 is likely what sprung Downs into the NFL Draft himself. As of now, only Downs and Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft in their year and position group. There likely may not be many more to declare.

Josh Downs

Z WR – North Carolina Tar Heels

HT: 5095
WT: 175
Year: Super Sophomore
High School: North Gwinnett (Suwanee, GA)
Rating: 4-star (0.9563)

Projected Draft Grade: Potential Role Player

Projection: 2nd/3rd Round

Downs has often received comparisons to former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver TY Hilton, with speed and explosive athleticism that can stretch the field and create big plays in the passing game. While slightly undersized, Downs has had issues with concentration drops, especially this year, in his college career.

Downs leaves behind two years of eligibility in college as well as a redshirt.