Downs displayed an immediate rapport with Anthony Richardson in 2023, but Richardson's time as the starter was short-lived. Downs still managed to create separation and rack up 68 receptions and 771 receiving yards with Gardner Minshew. Downs only cashed in on two touchdowns all season long and is a better fit in full-point PPR leagues. In all PPR formats, Downs is worth selecting as early as the 12th round. In standard scoring, he should come off the board a round or two later.
In a modern NFL rife with three-receiver sets, being deemed a slot maven isn't nearly as limiting as it once was. Downs, for instance, enters his second season building on a strong rookie showing that included finishing seventh in total fantasy points among first-year receivers in what was a strong class for the position. Designation as a slot option doesn't disqualify Downs' potential to help fantasy managers at times in 2024, but it could signal a less exciting upper-end of outcomes. Three-quarters of his routes came from a slot alignment as a rookie, and it's likely we see similar deployment for the smaller receiver in his second campaign. With a limited ceiling and likely to miss a game or two early on due to injury, Downs can be targeted in the later rounds of drafts.
Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD |
---|---|---|---|---|
53.3 | 616.2 | 3.1 |
Pick 14.11
Pick 16.11
Pick 15.10
Pick 14.12
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
Fantasy Playoffs | ||
15 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
18 |
|