Devante

Downs

Downs started eight games for the G-Men in 2020, but he became expendable after the team signed Reggie Ragland and converted Carter Coughlin to ILB. Downs was also a contributor on special teams over the past few seasons. He figures to slot in as a depth piece if/when he signs somewhere.

A seventh-round pick of the Vikings in 2018, Downs has appeared in 23 games for the Giants over the last two seasons, mainly as a special teamer. He played 21% of the defensive snaps and 62% of the snaps on special teams.

He’ll thus hit the market as an unrestricted free agent after playing a career-high 16 games (including eight starts) under DC Patrick Graham as a rotational linebacker. New York’s seventh-round pick in 2018, Downs will sign elsewhere as versatile special teams asset and front-seven reserve.

One of the more notable Combine snubs, Downs (6'3/245) garnered PFF’s highest pass-rushing grade among Pac 12 inside linebackers last season. He totaled 211 tackles over 39 career appearances for the Bruins including 65 as a senior in 2017. Downs will probably have to settle for special teams work in year one.

Downs hasn’t been able to do much at Vikings minicamp and remains without a timetable. When healthy, the seventh-rounder expects to see reps at middle linebacker while also playing on special teams.