Dontayvion Wicks 2023 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Position: WR
School: Virginia
Class: Senior
Date of Birth: unknown
Height: 6-1 Weight: 206 lbs
Athletic Testing
Bio
Dontayvion Wicks is a product of Plaquemine High School in Louisiana where he played both quarterback and wide receiver while also starring on the basketball court. Wicks signed with Virginia as a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. He caught just three passes as a freshman then missed all of the 2020 season when he suffered a foot injury during preseason camp. Wicks earned a starting job upon his return in 2021, taking advantage to the tune of 57 receptions for 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns. He set the school’s single-season receiving yardage record and was named first-team All-ACC.
Wicks’ production experienced a major decline in 2022. In eight games, he caught just 30 balls for 430 yards and two scores. He missed the final two games with an injury.
College Stats
Dontayvion Wicks College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference
Positives
+Vertical threat
+Release
+Ball skills
+Contested catches
+Alignment versatility
+21.1 yards per reception in 2021 (best season)
Negatives
-27.2% best season dominator
-Drops; isn’t a consistent hands-catcher (9 drops in 2022)
-Not a threat after the catch
-Major Production drop off from 2021 to 2022
-0 career rush attempts
-0 career kick/punt returns
-27.3% Dominator Rating in his best season (2021)
-3.75 receptions per game in 2022
-1.26 yards per team pass attempt in 2022
Highlight Reel
Archetype: Possession WR
Best Comparable Player: TBD
Draft Projection: Fourth Round
Bottom Line:
Dontayvion Wicks was a vertical weapon in 2021. He averaged over 20 yards per reception that season and dominated in contested catch situations. However, his production saw a major drop off in 2022 as he struggled to replicate his vertical presence from the year prior. What’s really concerning, is even in his 2021 breakout season, Wicks still failed to check some of the analytical boxes we look for like receptions per game, yards per team pass attempt, and receiving touchdown share. His numbers in those categories were fine, but they were far from where you would expect them to be from a guy who had a 1,200-yard season.
His draft capital will really depend on which version of Wicks NFL teams believe is the truth. His role at the next level could be limited to special teams coverage units and receiver depth. I’m not convinced he has what it takes to become a fantasy starter.
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN