The Green Bay Packers definitely have a type when it comes to drafting wide receivers. Last year, they drafted two, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, that checked all the boxes they require in order to be interested. Samori Toure checked all the boxes except one (weight). Typically, Green Bay drafted wide receivers that are over six feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds. Watson and Doubs fit both of these, but Toure came in at 191 pounds. In addition to these measurements, the Packers like explosive wide receivers that can reach top speed in short amounts of time.
As the 2023 NFL Draft draws near, teams are hosting perspective players for their top 30 meetings. Thus far, there has been one wide receiver invited to Green Bay to meet with team officials: Virginia’s Dontayvion Wicks.
Dontayvion Wicks Is a Typical Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver
As mentioned previously, the Packers have a type they like at the wide receiver position. Wicks’ RAS scores all fall within the measurements that Green Bay wants:
Dontayvion Wicks RAS completed with Pro-Day numbers.
Wanna see a Packers WR? pic.twitter.com/5lKf9P60o0
— Jacob Morley (@JacobMorley) March 27, 2023
Wicks’ speed, strength, and size give him the ability to line up in the slot or on the boundary. With the Packers in need of quality and wide receivers with diverse skill sets, Wicks would be the perfect option for them.
The Scouting Report on Dontayvious Wicks
The following are excerpts from Wicks’ scouting report by Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network:
“I like to evaluate wide receivers within the three-level threat framework — creating before, during, and after the catch process. In the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, some of my favorite prospects within the three-level threat framework were Garrett Wilson, Erik Ezukanma, and Romeo Doubs. This cycle, Wicks has quickly made his way onto the list.”
Garrett Wilson, of course, won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season with the New York Jets. Romeo Doubs was drafted by the Packers and had a solid season that was cut short by an injury. However, Doubs put up 42 receptions and 425 yards without playing a full season. Those were among the best numbers for a rookie wide receiver in the Aaron Rodgers Era.
“Beyond his size profile, Wicks’ athleticism is just as appealing. The Virginia WR flashes effortless acceleration off the line. He gears up very efficiently with long strides and has enough long speed to stack DBs and extend RAC opportunities. Moreover, Wicks has the long-strider explosiveness to gain separation downfield and overtake deep coverage.”
Wicks’ route running is impeccable. Given the success that Davante Adams found in Green Bay by mastering running routes, Wicks could find similar success in the Matt LaFleur offense.
“Finally, Wicks brings value as a run blocker as well. The Virginia WR is an energetic run blocker with a fighter’s disposition. He blocks to the whistle, uses his wide reach to square up and envelop defenders, and uses his length to generate force. He’s generally an assignment-sound blocker, too. He can seal off front-side defenders on counters and seek work upfield when teammates get RAC opportunities.”
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both above-average blockers at their position. This is a big reason why the Packers were interested in the in the first place. So too, Wicks is an above-average blocker who can help spring his fellow receivers for big gains after the catch. Additionally, he can help clear space for running back Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. With Allen Lazard, who is arguably the best blocking wide receiver in the NFL, now on the Jets, Green Bay needs to find another great blocking wide receiver to take his place.
Dontayvion Wicks may be just the man for the job. Cummings projects Wicks to be an early-to-mid Day Two draft pick. If the Packers choose to go wide receiver in the second round again, he could very well be their pick.
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