If the Steelers are interested in a small but fast playmaking wide receiver, North Carolina's Josh Downs could be on their radar in the second round of the NFL draft.
Downs is the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs, who played for the Giants, Broncos and Falcons from 1994-2000. His uncle is former NFL standout cornerback Dre Bly.
Steelers scouts were in Chapel Hill on Monday for Downs' pro day, and he had this to say about what he was told:
"Steelers and a few other teams came up to me and just told me that I had one of the cleanest workouts they've seen the past few years.
"I just feel like I've been blessed, put in the work and now it's time to see where I play football at next year," Downs added.
Asked when he was told that by the Steelers scout, who was not named, Downs confirmed it was Monday at pro day.
"He came up to me after, he was like, 'Man, I watched your combine and today.' ... He was like, 'Very impressive.'"
The Steelers have the first pick of the second round, No. 32, and also pick 49.
Downs said he's been told he's expected go somewhere between 25 and 45 in the draft. It might be a little early for the Steelers to take him at 32, and 49 might be a little late if he's already off the board. But overall, he could be in play for either pick, and the Steelers could use a fast receiver, especially with Steven Sims moving on in free agency.
Downs is only 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds. He had a good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.48 40-yard dash to go along with a 38 1/2-inch vertical leap and a 10-feet, 11-inch broad jump.
Downs had two fantastic seasons at North Carolina. In 2021, he caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2022, he caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 TDs.
He's been working out in Florida with several other receivers, including former Pitt standout Jordan Addison, who transferred to USC last season.
Downs went into his pro day looking to show scouts several things.
"Just showing off my route running, my hands and my quickness in the agility drills," he said. "So, just confirming what they see on tape and what they already think, showing them in person that it's real."
Downs' full interview is below. He talks about the Steelers at the 9:50 mark.
