Jeter Downs

Downs played in many of the key showcase events prior to his senior year, but it was at the Area Code Games that he really shined. There, Downs hit two home runs and made one of the best defensive plays of the week in the middle of the infield, showing plus hands and an advanced internal clock. Evaluators are still split on whether Downs will end up sticking at shortstop--in part because he is an average to near-average runner--but he established himself as one of the top hitters in the class with an outstanding spring. As of mid-may, Downs was batting .422/.518/1.000 with 12 home runs and only 10 strikeouts. Downs has a smooth swing; he uses his lower half well and has quick hands and loose wrists. He uses the whole field well and earns praise for his natural timing in the batter's box. Defensively, while he flashes plus arm strength, some scouts haven't seen Downs' arm play at that level on a consistent basis. Downs is committed to Miami but is expected to sign professionally. He could surprise on draft day and sneak into the back of the first round, depending on how the board plays out ahead of him.