UNC Football: Colts legend plays role in Josh Downs’ NFL Draft selection

As the NFL Draft approached, an Indianapolis Colts legend played a big role in pushing the organization to draft UNC football star Josh Downs.

Reggie Wayne put together a very good NFL career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

In fact, you could say that the 14-year pro is Hall of Fame worthy, as he recorded 1,070 catches for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns over his career.

The six-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion now works for the Colts, the organization he spent his entire career with, as the team’s wide receiver coach. During the NFL Draft scouting process, Wayne seemed to fall in love with a certain UNC football standout.

As Tar Heels fans anxiously waited for their star wideout to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Colts, who held the 79th pick in the third round, were trying extremely hard to move up in order to select Downs. Even though they couldn’t move up, they were fortunate enough to have Downs fall to them, as they got their guy without having to move up to do so.

Why were the Colts so focused on adding Downs to their roster? Well, it had a lot to do with the praise he received from Wayne after the NFL Draft Combine.

Wayne was on the field with the receivers during the combine in March and had the opportunity to talk to Downs after watching him compete against the other players at his position. The legendary Colts receiver knew right there that he needed him on the Colts’ roster.

"“He told me he needed me on his squad.”"

Downs recalled the conversation with Wayne, and from that point on, the now-former Tar Heel had a feeling that he was Indianapolis-bound.

He may not be the biggest receiver in this draft class, but it’s evident that the Colts believe they got a steal by selecting him with their third-round pick. New head coach Shane Steichen has said he likes a wide receiver room with different variations, as Downs certainly brings some elements that this group lacked prior to this weekend’s draft.

A new era begins in Indianapolis, as the organization moves forward with a rookie head coach and quarterback. The franchise now hopes that Downs can play a big role in helping the organization achieve their future goals.