Dontayvion Wicks 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Played quarterback and wide receiver in high school 

• Played basketball in addition to football in high school 
• Suffered season-ending foot injury in 2020 during preseason camp. 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Spread
• 2022 projected role: Starting WR

Pros: Dontayvion Wicks is a dynamic weapon as a vertical receiver. He features exceptional ball skills and the ability to stack corners with the speed necessary to get behind them. His success as a route-runner begins with a nuanced release package that quickly enables him to get on top of corners and separate. His ability to win down the field enables him to threaten his stems with vertical push and it opens up so much for him as a route-runner. He does well to vary his pace and run deceptive routes. Wicks has top-tier ball skills and his ability to locate, track, and adjust to the football in the air is outstanding. He isn’t the biggest or the strongest receiver but he is dominant in contested situations and his quarterback has no reservations about “throwing it up” to him. His body control is terrific. Wicks is ultra-competitive and tough on the football field and brings the fight as a blocker and with how he plays through contact. 

Cons: Drops and ball security haven’t been overly glaring issues for Dontayvion Wicks but they did pop up in 2021. He does have a tendency to use his body to finish catches and isn’t a consistent hands-catcher. He appears to be high-hipped and leggy, which takes away from his elusiveness and limits his ability to win after the catch. He isn’t a guy that has showcased any consistent ability to make defenders miss with the ball in his hands. Does he have elite speed to match his down-the-field upside?

Dontayvion Wicks NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino