Why Josh Downs Is A Name Bears Fans Should Remember

The Chicago Bears can’t seem to find any luck at wide receiver. Darnell Mooney is done for the year with an ankle injury. Chase Claypool is nursing a knee problem. Velus Jones hasn’t made any mark to speak of outside of the kick returner role. Everybody else is a backup at best. They sorely need more playmakers for Justin Fields going into 2023. That is why GM Ryan Poles may invest another high pick at the position. If this is the case, North Carolina standout Josh Downs is the name to watch. Here’s why.

Luke Getsy is the offensive coordinator. Before that, he was a wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Since 2017, his teams have drafted a receiver twice in the 3rd round or higher. First was Amari Rodgers in 2021 and Velus Jones in 2022. Both players share a lot in common. They’re fast as vertical threats and dangerous after the catch. Downs fits the profile to perfection. His quick feet and speed allow him to create separation down the field. Then defenses will be surprised when he takes screens and quick throws for chunk gains.

Don’t be fooled by his 5’10 size. He gives defenses fits with what he can do.

Josh Downs will be a Day 2 target for the Bears.

Everything about his style fits what this passing game would covet. Even wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert has worked with guys like him. See Emmanuel Sanders. It comes down to whether he’ll be on the board when they pick. Based on current projections, he isn’t likely to go in the 1st round. Most predict he will be a 2nd or 3rd round choice. That means the Bears may have a shot at him if he falls to the pick they got from Baltimore. That is unless they scoop an extra 2nd from a trade in the 1st round.

Nothing is a guarantee where the draft is concerned. It forever remains unpredictable. Still, when matching players to teams, it’s hard not to see Josh Downs as somebody this Bears regime would covet. He’s a playmaker with the explosiveness they seek. A trio of him, Mooney, and Claypool could be fun for Fields. It comes down to timing and availability. Maybe Poles prefers not to prioritize the position in favor of others. Perhaps another team grabs him earlier than expected. It will be a fun scenario to watch for.