Dontayvion Wicks
WR, Virginia · 2023 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #159 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
The 2023 class is only 3 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 46 of ~51 possible regular-season games from 2023 through 2025 (~90%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #167 (#22 at his position), close to where he went (#159). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Virginia: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at 206 lbs: faster than 5% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 52 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 13 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 15.2 |
| Passing | 1/1, 14 yds, undefined TD, undefined INT |
| Rushing | 2 att, 7 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 127 rec, 1,612 yds, 12 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2023 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2023 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 206 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.62 s |
| Vertical | 39" |
| Broad jump | 130" |
| Arm / hand | 32.38" / 10" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #167 overall (#22 WR) |
Picked around him 2023 redraft
| 156 | Jordan McFadden | redraft #193 |
| 157 | Kyu Blu Kelly | redraft #153 |
| 158 | Daniel Scott | redraft #242 |
| 160 | Antonio Johnson | redraft #71 |
| 161 | Nick Hampton | redraft #160 |
| 162 | Will Mallory | redraft #180 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.