When the Green Bay Packers took wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks in the fifth round of the draft last year, they always thought he could become a good player. It was impossible to predict, however, how efficient he would be right away.
He finished the season third on the team in receptions (39) and receiving yards (581), and was particularly impactful after Christian Watson went down with a hamstring injury. The most impressive aspect, though, is Wicks' ability to get open — and it's a high level for the entire league.
According to analytics specialist Arjun Menon, Wicks had the highest rate getting open against man coverage in the NFL in 2023 — not only among rookies. Just three players got 50% or more — Wan'Dale Robinson, from the New York Giants, and Keenan Allen, from the Los Angeles Chargers, were the other two.
That ability to get open helped the Packers offense. According to PFF, Wicks had the second-highest passer rating when targeted (117.6) among Green Bay's wide receivers, just behind Jayden Reed.
Passer rating when targeted for Packers WRs:
- Jayden Reed 123.1
- Dontayvion Wicks 117.6
- Bo Melton 114.0
- Romeo Doubs 100.4
- Malik Heath 89.8
- Christian Watson 71.4
- Samori Toure 34.0
Right after the draft, A to Z Sports talked to Marques Hagans, Wicks' wide receivers coach at Virginia — he is also a former NFL player. Hagans mentioned Wicks' ability to see the field — it helps that he is a former high school quarterback, so he sees the game from that perspective as well.
"He sees the field really well, and especially when it slows down for him," Hagans said. "He is tough, he plays fast and aggressive. He's tough to bring down after the catch and he's so explosive. Great hands and good change of direction."
Among qualified Packers wide receivers, Dontayvion Wicks finished the 2023 season with the highest offensive grade (77.8) and receiving grade (77.0).
Wicks is also a willing blocker, an important aspect to succeed in Matt LaFleur's offensive scheme.
"I feel good with where I'm at," Wicks said during the season. "When my name is called and I step in, I have that confidence to make plays. We do it in practice, so having that confidence in your preparation in practice and trusting that only helps me out on game day."
And that varied skill set gives the coaching staff confidence to build even more positive impact in the future.
"He's a guy that we've got to continue to try to get more opportunities for in our offense because he's shown the ability," head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned. "He's physical, he's smart, he's a really good route-runner, he's got really strong hands and he's fearless."
The Packers offense didn't have a clear number one wide receiver in 2023. For the future, though, Dontayvion Wicks has a path to claim that role.
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