The Green Bay Packers used the 159th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, a pass-catcher who had a monster 2021 season and checks all the boxes the Packers typically prefer at receiver.
Here’s our instant analysis of the Packers taking Wicks in the fifth round:
Zach Kruse
Wicks is a big-play receiver with terrific combination of size, overall athleticism and recent production. He’s a Packers pick at receiver all day. While a change on offense, a few more drops and an injury wrecked his 2022 season, Wicks was legitimately dominant during the 2021 season (1,203 yards, 21.1 yards per catch, 9 TDs). He’s a good fit as a developmental X receiver alongside Romeo Doubs, who also has good size and deep ability. The Packers are doing a terrific job rebuilding the weapons around the quarterback position in this draft.
Brandon Carwile
Pop on Wicks’ 2021 tape, and you see a Day-2 prospect. He comes equipped with a polished release package that enables him to stack corners consistently. Wicks only ran a 4.6 in the 40, but his play speed has never been an issue. He is capable of threatening defenses downfield, where he showcased exceptional ball skills. If you can live with the drops and look past his drop off in production last season, he is worth having as a developmental receiver.
Brennen Rupp
Dontayvion Wicks has the long speed to win vertically. While drops popped up this season, he tracks the ball well downfield and has outstanding body control. He’s slippery after the catch. He’s sharp in and out of his breaks to create separation on intermediate routes. The Packers may believe that his drops this past season were just a blip on the radar. Another weapon for Jordan Love.
Paul Bretl
Do you want to see what a prototypical Packers reciever looks like? Well, look no further than Dontayvion Wicks, who stands 6-1, weighs 206 pounds and posted an elite RAS. Wicks battled drops and inconsistencies during the 2022 season, but will provide the Packers with another vertical presence. In 2021, he averaged 21.1 yards per catch and ranked 11th in downfield receiving yards. With Christian Watson taking on greater route running responsibilities, something Matt LaFleur discussed, Wicks can help fill that downfield role, which will of course create big play opportunities but also create better spacing and opportunities for others underneath.
