Instant Takeaways: Packers add big play threat WR Dontayvion Wicks
By Paul Bretl
With the 159th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Virginia wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Here are my instant takeaways and what you need to know about the selection.
– The Packers selected Jayden Reed in the second round but going back to the reciever position in this draft was still a must. Even with Reed, the Packers had just six receivers on the roster, with Samori Toure, Bo Melton, and Jeff Cotton all having either minimal or no experience. Still with six draft picks remaining, if the Packers took another later on, I wouldn’t be surprised.
– When you think about the prototypical Green Bay Packers receiver, Dontayvion Wicks is exactly what they look for. He has a big frame, at 6’1” – 206 pounds and tested very well athletically, with an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.17.
– Wicks immediate role in this Green Bay Packers’ offense will be as a deep threat. During the 2021 season, he averaged an impressive 21.1 yards per catch on 57 receptions, and according to PFF, only 20 of Wicks’ 93 targets came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. He also ranked 11th out of all receivers in downfield receiving yards.
– Having this element will help spread out defenses and create more room underneath for other pass catchers. Of course, Christian Watson can provide that as well, but he will be taking on a larger route running role with a more expansive route tree to really take advantage of his skill-set and abilities. Wicks and Samori Toure can continue to provide that vertical presence.
– During the 2022 season, Wicks saw his production take a dip. He caught just 30 of his 72 pass attempts and averaged 14.2 yards per catch. Drops were also an issue for him. He attributed that to a lack of focus at times and thinking too much as he adjusted to a new offense.
– There will be a learning curve with so many young players, but Jordan Love isn’t lacking playmakers around him with Watson, Wicks, Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, and Romeo Doubs.
– While many of the Green Bay receivers can move around the formation, at least during his time at Virginia, Wicks was primarily a boundary target. The bulk of his college production came in the last two seasons.
– PFF grades are far from the be-all-end-all, but for what it’s worth, Wicks run blocking grade was below average.
– For more on Wicks’ game, here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft report:
"“Wicks proved in 2021 that he has a set of skills to threaten defenses with big-play potential, but he’s coming off a disappointing 2022 season. Focus drops have been an issue for him over the last two seasons, but they seemed to impact his overall confidence in 2022. He lacks attention to detail as a route runner but it is worth noting that he finds ways to separate with instincts and pure athleticism. Wicks has talent to cultivate, but gaining the confidence of a GM, head coach or quarterback must start with catching the football more consistently.”"