Packers Select Dontayvion Wicks, WR in 2023 NFL Draft - Round 5
Packers take a flier on a WR who fits their normal archetype.
By JosephR
Scouting Report: The Draft Network
Measureables
Height: 6′ 1”
Weight: 206 lbs
Arm Length: 32 3/8”
Hand Size: 10”
Combine
40-Yard Dash
4.62
Seconds
10-Yard Split
1.59
Seconds
Vertical Jump
39’’
Broad Jump
10’ 10’’
Pro Day
40-Yard Dash
4.58
3-Cone
6.91
Shuttle
4.20
Vertical Jump
36.5"
CHTV Draft Guide
Dontayvion Wicks surprised with an impressive 1,200-yard
junior season, and he has the traits to be a three-level threat.
Wicks possesses a surprisingly sudden and diverse release
package, especially out of a split release, and combines that
with long strides to slice through press coverage. His route
breaks are crisp to win underneath and he flashes good
throttle variation. He’s an impressive route salesman who
manipulates defenders to open the door vertically, connecting
pressure steps as an extra sales tool. Wicks can make tough,
acrobatic catches through contact at the catch point. As long
as the sudden rise in drops doesn’t carry over another year,
Wicks has a strong profile to translate to the NFL.
- Jake Schyvinck, WR Analyst
CAREER NOTES
57 catches, 1,203 yds, 9 TDs, in 2021.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS
Dontayvion Wicks, is "quicker than fast", and is the kind of WR where quarterbacks are willing to "stick in in there" knowing he can come down with the catch. I love his special teams ability which we've seen the Packers start to prioritize in more recent years. With a RAS of 9.17, he fits the normal type of athlete they like at the WR position. With an offense that I see using plenty of motion in 2023, he projects as a guy I see them moving from the "Z" position to the slot, creating mismatches for defenders who lack the requisite man coverage skills to contain him.
COMMENTARY
I see a potential competition brewing for the #3 and #4 WR spots between Reed, Wicks, Melton, and Toure. This is truly a Ted Thompson-type pick of adding additional competition to the WR room. I look forward to seeing these guys battle it out as they try to stake their claim on the depth chart.
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__________________________
Joseph has been an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers since 1997, citing an affinity for dairy products during his childhood and his favorite color, green. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph currently is an Active Duty servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces. Joseph considers himself a lifelong fan of the game of football, competing since his youth well into adulthood. When it comes to the Pack, Joseph is particularly impassioned about the NFL Draft and collegiate scouting process, and will contribute regularly on CHTV.com leading to that year's upcoming Draft. You can follow him on Twitter at @joeyreyallday.
__________________________
Comments (56)
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 01:54 pm
I LOVE this pick!!! Wicks!!! Gotta go by his 2021 stats though:
57 rec on 93 targets for 1201 yds 21.1 ypc 9 TDs.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:17 pm
Wicks was one of the WR's I had hoped they would draft in the 6th round. He will be a good WR and I think maybe surprise some. Smooth & fluid runner & receiver who has some size. Gutey doing an awesome job, particularly restocking the offense. Love it!
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 02:30 pm
I have to wonder if Rodgers is watching this draft with all the weapons we are adding….lol. Between last years WR run and this years TE and WR run our offense is starting to look better.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:44 pm
Ya just know Aaron Rodgers has his Scotch and is watching intensely. You had better believe he will watch & read everything & everything GBP's. Eat your heart out AR! In reality with AR's aversion to the middle of the field he may not have cared about the Musgrave & Tucker selections.
Packerpasty
April 29, 2023 at 04:45 pm
He's playing golf somewhere, he could care less what Gute's is doing...come on..
PASSdaRELISH
April 30, 2023 at 10:43 am
If he is watching (which I doubt) I’m sure he’s laughing.
stockholder
April 29, 2023 at 01:56 pm
I Love this Pick.
Better than Reed!
Great film.
Past injury dropped him.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:19 pm
I don't think you necessarily should be comparing Reed to Wicks and vice-versa. It should be all about how the pieces work together combined with game day match-ups. Reed brings an element we did not have, nor have we had it for some time. Gutey selecting a good range of talent at WR, and TE.
JerseyAl
April 29, 2023 at 02:33 pm
exactly.
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 02:48 pm
Knock…..that’s what I like about Reed, I’ve wanted the quick twitch, fast WR for a long time. Been envious of Andy Reid’s offense for years!
stockholder
April 29, 2023 at 07:02 pm
What element? Draft Projection was 5th rd.
Not an elite athlete - slim build- Forget blocking
Body catcher . field speed isn’t elite
Short area quickness is poor. Not a field stretcher!
Like I said - He was taken because he's a Punt Returner
Praised for being a good route runner - Thats it.
He's No A Risen
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2023 at 07:50 pm
Get in touch with the New Offenses. I surely hope LaFleur does. These Kids run passing offenses that would blow the minds of Don Coryell and Mouse Davis since High School because their coaches Learned those schemes from the Masters and guys like Lavell Edwards, Holmgren's first Mentor. Gettn' in tune with the straight and narrow--Vector Offenses. Get open, fast, you cannot crack back block guys any longer. Shanahan has already pissed off Deebo, trying to ruin his career and body. Jaylen Reed is a dynamic guy. Remember Randall Cobb's first game vs. NOLA ?? Took the opening kickoff to the house. Get Faster Get Better.
BIG 10> SEC.
MooPack
April 29, 2023 at 02:00 pm
RAS, RAS, RAS. We should know by now that is what Gutey is picking. All over 9.0 in RAS except for Jayden Reed and that was for size.
davekenya
April 29, 2023 at 02:33 pm
RAs..RAs...wasn't Bill Schroeder also a huge RAs WR? If qualifiers like 'special teams guy' start describing the guy...I'd tone down any expectations. He'll make the squad (b/c 5th R pick) but may not contribute much. It's okay to critique draft choices...
13TimeChamps
April 29, 2023 at 03:02 pm
From 1999-2001, Bill Schroeder had 192 receptions for 2968 yds (15.5 ave) and 18 TDs.
That's a 3 year average of 64/989/6. Not bad for a 6th round RAs guy, who was also a "special teams guy".
WD
April 29, 2023 at 02:02 pm
A 4.62 forty WR will have a very difficult time getting open in today's game. Of course we need to add depth. No doubt Gute see's some intangible that prompted him to make this call. I hope we address kicker with our next pick. The first kicker from Michigan was dratted in the third round. In fairness he look faster on film
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 02:13 pm
Watch his film breakdown and I think you will have a different opinion. He is very sudden and creates space easily. He reminds me of Devante Adams footwork. Speed isn’t end all be all in getting open. He will be a possession receiver who has a big wing span and a 39” vertical. As a 5th rounder I think he will be a good developmental WR for the Packers. He might even earn some playing time this year, especially if the Packers don’t pick up a veteran WR.
JosephR
April 29, 2023 at 02:50 pm
He ran 4.58 at his Pro Day...
But look at the 10-Yard split, he beats his opponents quickly.
Another WR who wins like that? Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 02:57 pm
40 yard dash is overrated in my opinion. Most of the greatest WR ran between 4.45 - 4.6. Just ask Devante Adams. I’m not sure, but I’d guess 90% of all plays are within 25 yards of the LOS. Yes, the 10 yard split is more important. His footwork and ability to get open quickly is a rare quality. I’m not expecting him to start right away, but he should be a very good developmental WR, that in a couple of years could turn into a starter.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 05:19 pm
So he is a player like JSN except he was picked in R5 instead of R1. He also has a higher RAS than JSN. Sounds like JSN is being overrated and was overdrafted.
Swisch
April 29, 2023 at 06:57 pm
Jayden Reed seems like another guy who wins in the first 10 yards with quick footwork.
Unless it's a deep ball, I would think the 10-yard results are more important than what happens at 40 yards.
Leatherhead
April 29, 2023 at 02:03 pm
I took this guy often in the 4th and 5th round of simulations. There is absolutely room for him and he won't have to grow any faster than he can. Most Day 3 receivers don't amount to much, but there are exceptions and this guy could be one. He has a pretty good upside.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:21 pm
Agree Murf & Leatherhead!
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 03:02 pm
Leatherhead, they just took another DL…..building those trenches!
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 05:20 pm
Can never have too many good OL and DL.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 04:34 pm
I just watched his 8 minute highlight reel and this guy is easy to love; lots of contested / miraculous catches and serious drive to finish a play. Of course his drops aren't on the highlight reel; has he ever fumbled?
This guy's a deep threat despite a poor 40 but I can just see ourselves setting up more drops ...
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 05:22 pm
Even though he only was a 4.5ish WR Adams was a big deep threat in the NFL. He wasn't going to score a lot of 70 yards TDs but he tallied quite a few 40 yard completions.
croatpackfan
April 29, 2023 at 02:05 pm
They now have 6 WR on the team. I expect one or two more, 2 RB, and maybe some DL, DB or 7th round OL developmental prospect.
PackfanNY
April 29, 2023 at 02:15 pm
I like the pick. Seems he was the victim of some bad QB play at Virginia. The one problem he does have is DROPPED passes. Think I saw he dropped 14 passes. Need to work to minimize those occurrences. Might be a steal if they can correct that.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:22 pm
No excuses, but how many were simply bad throws from a bad QB & Wicks was able to get his hands on the ball? Regardless, improving his hands will take place and common with rookies.
NateK
April 29, 2023 at 03:58 pm
Very reasonable point here, KtSooY. My initial reaction was that this guy is just a J’mon Moore type but with superior athleticism. I’m hoping you are correct in you prediction!
PatrickGB
April 29, 2023 at 02:57 pm
In his interview, he remarked how the new system he played in kinda messed up his focus. He felt that it won’t be as much of a problem now.
Rebecca
April 29, 2023 at 03:25 pm
He’ll fit in just fine. We had 41 drops last year, leading the league. Then again our quarterback wasn’t always at his best last season broken finger plus trust issues, etc. Hopefully we concentrate on fundamentals this season.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2023 at 03:33 pm
Looks like he can elevate and high-point the ball, possession receiver. We will see. Remember, his team mates who were Murdered last season, including Devin Chandler, a Badger transfer. That works a guy's soul. He will be a dedicated player.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 02:22 pm
Absolutely loathe this pick. The guy can’t catch. Not just bad, can’t. Stood out from his peers as uniquely gifted dropper. Athlete, yes, but catcher? No. Move him to S.
Perhaps the worst round of drafting in decades.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 02:24 pm
Let's hope you feel differently CW and come around in training camp. We need all these players to develop and plug holes. I have liked Wicks for sometime.
PASSdaRELISH
April 29, 2023 at 02:29 pm
You liked his drops?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 03:36 pm
I like the player! Watch him and how he plays. You watch and you see a very smooth athletic player with a long stride who can track the ball well, but who can also create separation. He wins contested catches. Much of these skills you cannot coach, but as Leatherhead stated you can coach & work on the hands. A significant number of rookie WR's coming into the league need to improve their hands. Wicks is no different. His hands will improve without any question & when you combine with his other skills you have a good player.
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 03:00 pm
The reality is that any 5th rounder is going to have warts. The question is will those warts go away. Time will tell.
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Hmmm, one of your favorites from last years draft named Watson had a bad history of dropsies in college.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 03:24 pm
Whole different level.
I do think he’s a better athlete than many think—he injured his hip mid way through running the 40 at the combine and wasn’t fully back by his pro day. He’s a lot faster than billed. But those hands can’t be overlooked. Just not good hand/eye skills.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 03:40 pm
You are a very knowledgeable poster whose opinions I respect, but hope with his athleticism and talent he just needs to work on them. I'm thinking positive and believe he will. Every player drafted has elements they need to work on whether LVN on down the line.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 03:46 pm
He gets his chance like anyone else. Catching aside, people are underestimating how fast this kid is and how much acceleration. He will need to work on his route skills, but that’s hardly unique. If he could catch and didn’t hurt his hip half way through his 40 (not fully healthy at his pro day, he’d be a much higher, if only he had better hands. Hands that bad seldom improve; it’s hand/eye coordination with him I believe.
Swisch
April 29, 2023 at 06:50 pm
I also have a lot of respect for your football judgement and general good sense, Coldworld, but this guy had 50+ catches for 1,200+ yards and nine touchdowns two seasons ago (2021) at Virginia.
That doesn't seem like a Cavalier attitude to catching the ball, or a terrible deficiency in hand-eye coordination.
How many did he drop in that season, or during last season?
In any case, maybe it's something he can overcome, and maybe he's a guy worth an opportunity at this point in the draft.
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 04:00 pm
That makes no sense….why is it at a different level? Watson is a WR and so is this guy. Watson had one of the worst drop percentage in college his last year. Certainly, it was in the last 20 percentile.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2023 at 03:37 pm
Good reminder murf and I was thinking similarly. It isn't unusual for rookies needing to work on their hands. It is like an OL, Edge, or DL need to work on their hand placement.
Bure9620
April 29, 2023 at 03:07 pm
He needs to go work with JUGS
Oppy
April 29, 2023 at 06:30 pm
Bure, for me, I might not use the term "needs to", but I definitely WANT TO work with JUGS.
Bure9620
April 29, 2023 at 06:46 pm
Agreed
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 04:20 pm
CW. Pro football focus rated every pick an A except Musgrave at a B, Sean and the Kicker at C’s. So, you can rest assured this isn’t the worst draft in decades.
Packerpasty
April 29, 2023 at 04:49 pm
not a bad draft not a great draft...they needed a great draft...Eagles killed this draft and they didn't need too...
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 05:13 pm
I think the grading of draft picks is entertaining, but in the end they are meaningless. You can find folks that like a guy and others that don’t. Just like on this and other boards. Philly’s draft may end up worse than the Packers. We will find out in a couple of years.
Oppy
April 29, 2023 at 06:33 pm
All I just heard was "I'm still upset the Packers moved on."
vin0770
April 29, 2023 at 04:37 pm
Not very fast measure 4.62 40 now in the pros at WR? If you’re taking a flyer why not the 4.36 unproven due on the board?
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 05:14 pm
THis kid will compete for playing time, hardly a flyer.
PASSdaRELISH
April 30, 2023 at 10:47 am
A.T. Perry should have been our pick instead of a wasted QB pick and/or Wicks in the sixth