As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Dontayvion Wicks.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dontayvion Wicks (WR – Virginia)
Dontayvion Wicks (WR – Virginia)
6’2″ – 208 lbs.
Background:
Played both receiver and quarterback in high school. Caught three passes as a true freshman, then sustained a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. Stepped into a starting role when he returned in 2021, posting an impressive line of 57-1,201-9 (21.1) on 93 targets (61.3%), then dropped off this past year, catching just 41.7% of his targets for a line of 30-430-2 (14.3).
Positives:
Well-built for a pro receiver. Lines up all around the formation, taking snaps on and off the line, both inside and outside. Runs a reasonable variety of different routes, with deeper patterns, hitches, screens, overs, and out routes being the most common. Showed he could function as a legitimate deep threat in 2021; fast enough to threaten defenses downfield on different routes/releases. Has some quickness to release at the line against press coverage. Changes speed to keep defensive backs off-balance. Snaps off routes pretty well at the stem without losing too much speed. Does a good job of selling double-moves to set up deep targets. Able to track and make adjustments to the ball down the field. Shows impressive flexibility as a runner after the catch as well. Was often used on screens, showing the ability to find pockets of space. Works hard to seek out opponents as a blocker, showing some physicality and competitiveness.
Negatives:
Really struggled this past season, dropping off considerably from 2021. Unreliable pair of hands; dropped 14 passes over the past two years, including nine last season. Releases can take too long to develop. Many of his catches come on hitches and screens underneath the defense. Doesn’t run with power after the catch. Lacks functional strength despite his size and can be overwhelmed as a blocker; fundamentals are still a work in progress. Season-ending foot injury in 2020 will be investigated at the Combine.
Summary:
One of the more enigmatic receiver prospects in the class, his stock will ultimately depend on whether teams think they’ll be getting the dangerous 2021 version or the highly inefficient 2022 version of his game. With an impressive Combine, should be able to work himself into the mid-round conversation, appealing to teams that value tools and which are willing to overlook his metrics.
Projection: Round 4-5
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