4 prospects the Seahawks must monitor at 2023 NFL Combine

Seahawks should monitor wide receiver Josh Downs, North Carolina

As good as DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are, they need more consistent help. Add to that the fact that Lockett isn’t getting younger and might only play at a very high level for two or three more years and Seattle will eventually have to replace him, Seattle needs to add a quality receiver who is going to be in a Seahawks jersey for years to come to help this coming season and beyond. Josh Downs might be that guy.

There is little doubt about Downs’s technical route-running ability and his hands. Both of those traits are NFL-ready. The concern would be if Downs can stay healthy for most of a season as he is just 5’10” and 175 pounds. Downs is tall enough but is he built well enough to take NFL-type punishment?

Still, his footwork is Doug Baldwin-esque and he can get himself open quickly. Downs also has the ability, much like Lockett, to line up inside or outside the line and beat his defender. If Seattle chooses Downs, he will also be faced with a bunch of one-on-one matchups, and Downs already likely has the ability to make NFL cornerbacks look silly.

Downs is probably an intriguing product to many teams as most teams can use more good receivers. The question is how Downs will test at the combine. If his 40 speed is much better than expected he will rise higher and likely out of range where Seattle wants to choose a receiver.