Colts HC Shane Steichen has seen significant growth from WR Josh Downs this offseason. "He was explosive Year 1, but you can see he's taking it to another level in the offseason and obviously starting into training camp," Steichen said. "He's making a ton of plays right now, which is good for us. So, we've got to continue that for sure."
Here's Colts.com's J.J. Stankevitz on Downs' start to training camp: "He's been targeted at all three levels of the field – short, intermediate and deep ... That was just one of several highlights we've seen from the North Carolina product. Downs' Year 1 to Year 2 growth has been evident in his connection with quarterback Anthony Richardson – he said both he and Richardson are comfortable and confident making pre-snap route adjustments based on the coverage they're facing. Downs' more global knowledge of Shane Steichen's offense is benefitting him, too – he doesn't just know the details of his route, but how it fits with the other three or four pass-catchers in the pattern, affording him a better ability to get open within the rhythm of a play."
Rookie WR Adonai Mitchell has made a few splash plays in camp, but it looks like Downs is set to open the season as the Colts' No. 2 WR.
It remains to be seen whether QB Anthony Richardson can support a fantasy-viable WR behind Michael Pittman. But Downs is not a high-risk pick at his 13th-round ADP.
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