Vikings’ SKOL Search: Josh Downs scouting report

Downs is small, but he doesn’t always play like it. He has shown that he can play above the rim at a higher level than his size would lead you to believe. Another way that he maximizes his size is in blocking. While he isn’t the best blocker, he gives effort and shows really nice hand placement.

Quickness and fluidity are huge for Downs. He understands how to use space and uses his footwork and fluid hips to help him create space. This is very impactful in his route running, which is a major plus. Understands how to use fakes and leverage at the top of the stem, but isn’t fully proficient at it quite yet. His suddenness also makes a huge difference when creating separation and has the speed to gain it as well. His awareness is also superb. He just gets spacing and how to get open.

Separation isn’t always created equally. Josh Downs creates space on this hitch route with the linebacker on him with a shimmy to the right. He and quarterback Sam Howell are on the same page pic.twitter.com/yLYKlx5zvK

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) December 9, 2022

Vision in the open field is a plus for Downs. He takes the time to setup his blockers and hits the proper hole to maximize plays in space. That vision has led to being used in a versatile manner, having been lined up in the backfield, the slot and out wide.