2023 NFL Draft: 11 prospects who could rise at the Senior Bowl

WR- Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia (6-2, 210)

Recent NFL Drafts have been talent-rich at the wide receiver position; in the last three NFL Draft classes 47 receivers have been selected in the first two days of the draft (17 in the first round, 19 in the second round, 11 in the third round). This class doesn’t have that same top-end talent, but it does have some interesting depth and some of the pass catchers competing to be selected in the Top 100 will be in Mobile.

In the past three drafts, there’s been an average of 15.6 receivers selected in the first three rounds, but SMU’s Rashee Rice looks like the only surefire receiver at the Senior Bowl to go that early. One receiver in a terrific position to climb the rankings and go on Day 2 is Virginia’s Dontayvion Wicks.

After playing sparingly as a freshman and missing his entire sophomore season with an injury, Wicks came out of nowhere as a junior and put himself on the NFL map with 1,203 yards and 9 TDs on just 57 catches. Entering his 2022, Wicks was considered one of the best senior receivers in the country, but a coaching change and poor quarterback play led to him finishing with just 430 yards and 2 scores in 8 games.

Despite the quiet season, Wicks should still be considered a top-15 receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s a smooth athlete with the flexibility to sink his hips and snap out of his breaks while also possessing enough speed to win vertically. His most exciting traits though are his body control and catch radius which allows him to make some silly circus catches and win 50/50 balls.

This week at the Senior Bowl, Wicks can elevate his stock by dominating contested catch situations while also showing more nuance to his game with a diverse release repertoire and consistency creating separation as a route runner.