Reviewing Packers 2023 Draft Class: WR Dontayvion Wicks
By Paul Bretl
Up next in my review of the Green Bay Packers’ 2023 draft class is fifth-round pick and wide receiver from Virginia, Dontayvion Wicks, who was selected with the 159th overall pick.
In this series, I have been taking a closer look at each of the Packers’ draft prospects, starting with their measurables, highlighting their college stats that you need to know, and their fit. I also have quotes from Brian Gutekunst and other members of the Packers’ organization, along with a pre-draft scouting report from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.
If you’ve missed any of the previous reviews, you can find them below.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
Measurements
6’2″ | 205 | RAS: 9.49
Do you want to see what a prototypical Green Bay Packers receiver looks like from a height and weight standpoint? Well, Dontayvion Wicks is it. He has that bigger frame that the Packers historically covet, measuring in at over 6’0″ and weighing 200-plus pounds. Although Wicks posted an elite Relative Athletic Score, which was bolstered by his height and weight, along with elite testing in the vertical and broad jumps, his 40-yard dash time was just 4.57 seconds. Now, this isn’t to say that this means Wicks won’t be successful. There are plenty of accomplished receivers who ran in the 4.5 range, and the film shows someone who plays faster than that. However, it is worth noting.
Stats to Know
Wicks spent the bulk of his career at Virginia lined up on the boundary, with the majority of his production coming during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In 2021, we saw a breakout performance from Wicks, who caught 57 of his 93 targets at a whopping 21.1 yards per catch, along with nine touchdowns. He would also rank 11th out of all receivers in downfield receiving yards, according to PFF. In 2022, however, as the Virginia offense transitioned to a new system, Wicks’ production dipped. He would catch just 30 of his 72 targets, with concentration drops being an issue, and averaged only 14.3 yards per catch. In the Virginia offense, Wicks was not frequently targeted within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
Fit with the Packers
Wicks’ game still needs refinement – as is the case with any fifth-round pick – but his route-running ability makes him deceptive and allows him to win in a variety of ways. In this Packers’ offense, that ability can make Wicks a threat at really all levels of the field. The more pass-catchers that can win in that fashion, the more difficult it becomes for the defense to decipher what will be taking place pre-snap. Although he was mostly a boundary target in college, Wicks’ frame and route running could make him a matchup problem from the slot. We all know how important it is to the Matt LaFleur offense that receivers be able to move around the formation. With Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure, and Jayden Reed, along with the tight ends and running backs being utilized in the passing game as well, Wicks’ role on offense will likely start out somewhat small as he continues to develop–perhaps as a big slot in the red zone and in short yardage situations where there is a premium on creating quick separation.
The Packers said it
Milt Hendrickson – Director of Football Operations
"“Wicks is a kid who had a ton of production in 2021. A lot of upside and there’s an athletic complement that goes along with his skill set that we really liked.”"
Pre-draft scouting 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.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"