What Will Dontayvion Wicks' Role be in Philadelphia?

Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was acquired from the Green Bay Packers via trade back in April. He wasted no time making a splash in his first game with the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday.

Wicks stunned the Washington Commander defense when he hauled in a career long 64-yard pass. The big play helped set up Philadelphia’s first touchdown of the season in the second quarter.

For his next big play later in the period, Wicks caught a 9-yard touchdown pass after breaking free from a defender in the back corner of the end zone. Unfortunately for Eagle fans, that was the last time they heard from Wicks for the rest of the evening as he ended the game with 73 yards and a score. What can Wicks bring to the table moving forward?

The 6-foot-1, 206-pounder is a fourth-year veteran is a former fifth-round draft choice that possesses average deep speed for his position. Earlier in his career, Wicks battled with lapses in concentration which led to dropped passes. However, he is known for his sharp route running skills, acceleration, and the ability to gain big yardage after the catch.

Wicks already had familiarity with Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion as the two had worked together the past two years in Green Bay while Mannion was an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. Perhaps that familiarity played a part in Wicks making a big impact in his first game as an Eagle.

Wicks is on a one-year “prove it” deal, so his long-term future in the league greatly relies upon his level of production this season. If nothing else, the Eagles are getting a highly motivated individual who has every incentive to shake off past inconsistencies and put his best foot forward. His lack of production in the second half of Sunday’s game may have been a result of the entire offensive line struggling to consistently deal with an aggressive Washington front seven.

Wicks’ play in the first half may have provided a glimpse of what he is capable of moving forward. General manager Howie Roseman essentially took a flier on Wicks when he surrendered both a fifth and sixth round draft choices to acquire the 25-year-old wide out. With more plays like the few we saw this past Sunday, that flier may prove to have been well worth it.