The Green Bay Packers selected Virginia receiver Dontayvion Wicks in the fifth round (No. 159 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 206
Age: 21
From: Plaquemine, LA
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 82, Virginia WR Dontayvion Wicks
Breakdown: Big-play threat with ideal size (6-1, 206) who dominated in 2021 but took a big step back in 2022. Averaged 21.1 yards per catch created 27 plays of 20 or more yards and set a school record for receiving yards (1,203) as a junior but struggled during a scheme change as a senior. Although not a straight-line speedster, he’s an explosive mover with excellent body control and the ability to go up and get the ball in traffic. Wins with releases. Drops can be an issue. Lacks experience in the slot. Likely X receiver.
Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Virginia, Wicks was the X receiver in head coach Tony Elliott’s pro-style spread offense. He put his name on the early-round NFL Draft radar as a junior with a school-record 1,203 receiving yards, including 27 plays of 20-plus yards. But his senior year was the opposite in terms of production as he struggled to match his junior year success while learning the new offense under Elliott. Wicks’ basketball background shows on the football field with his athletic movements, body length and ability to elevate and out-rebound the football. However, the concentration drops are a glaring issue, and he must buckle down on the finer points of the position to maximize his talent. Overall, Wicks’ evaluation is complicated because of the night-and-day difference between his 2021 and 2022 performances, but the raw talent is there for him to continue ascending as he polishes his game. His development potential will understandably capture the interest from NFL teams in the top four rounds.”
Zierlein’s 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.”
They said it: “Ton of production in 2021. A lot of upside. Athletic complement that goes along with his skill set that we really liked…When you watch the 21 tape, there’s a significant difference. That’s what we’re hanging our hat on.” — Director of football ops Milt Hendrickson
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