Falcons Draft Fits: Virginia WR Dontayvion Wicks' Key Connections

On top of the size and stylistic fit, Virginia standout receiver Dontayvion Wicks has a few critical connections to the Atlanta Falcons, making him a name to remember come the 2023 NFL Draft.

With the NFL combine just days away, the Atlanta Falcons are beginning to grow closer towards developing their offseason plan.

However, Falcons coach Arthur Smith has already outlined where he sees the biggest need for improvement.

"The next challenge is to make sure we become more explosive offensively," Smith said. "We need more pass rush, I get all that, but every game, other than one in Cincinnati, the other 16 was a dogfight and these guys embraced it."

Explosiveness can be gained in multiple ways, be it speed, route nuance or run after catch ability - but regardless, Smith has openly said his offense needs more.

In this instance, it's a need for a weapon - and the Falcons certainly have an opening at No. 2 receiver opposite last year's first-round pick Drake London.

Enter Virginia's Dontayvion Wicks.

A first-team All-ACC performer in 2021 after setting the Cavaliers' single-season program record for receiving yards with 1,203, Wicks saw his numbers take a bit of a step back this past season due in large part to offensive ineptitude around him.

But he's still the same player - just consider that he was named the practice player of the week among his team's receivers at this year's Reese's Senior Bowl.

So, who is Wicks? Here's the Sports Illustrated scouting report ...

"Wicks generates most of his separation with his route running," SI writes. "He showcases snappy cuts at the top of his route, quick transitions into and out of breaks, and good sink in his hips at the top of his routes. Wicks has good ball tracking on downfield throws, adjusts to the ball well when it’s in the air, and extends to make catches outside of his frame. He has the foot speed and fluidity to generate clean releases against press coverage. Wicks displays some elusiveness in the open field thanks to a loose lower half and short-area agility."

Now the question becomes - why does Wicks make sense for the Falcons?

At 6-1 5/8, 212 pounds, Wicks has the size, ball skills and middle-of-the-field run after catch ability to thrive in Smith's offense. Further, while Smith claimed he's not discriminatory against smaller receivers, he certainly has a strong track record of working with wideouts who are 6-0 or taller and weigh at least 200 pounds.

In this case, Wicks checks both boxes. But there are several big-bodied receivers in the draft - so what makes him particularly relevant to Atlanta?

While at Virginia, Wicks' offensive coordinator this past season was Desmond Kitchings, who was the Falcons' running backs coach in 2021. If there's somebody who knows the ins and outs of what makes Wicks tick, it's Kitchings - and he's sure to have a strong relationship with Smith.

There's also the element that Wicks' strong showing at the Senior Bowl was done in front of East team offensive coordinator Charles London, who was the Falcons quarterbacks coach at the time.

London is now with the Tennessee Titans but his coaching experience in Mobile was done on behalf of the Falcons, netting a wealth of valuable information for April's draft, even if he's no longer apart of the organization.

Coaches and decision makers often spread word about prospects - it's a part of the business, and the point that London still had direct communication with the Falcons during the Senior Bowl only strengthens this.

The last point worth considering is that Wicks is considered to be a third- or fourth-round pick, ideal for a team like Atlanta that needs to fill many holes and can't - or at least shouldn't - place much of an emphasis on a second receiver.

With his route running and separation ability, Wicks has a solid chance to contribute as a rookie and should only ascend from there, holding a strong profile as a complementary option moving forward.

Thus, when factoring in Wicks' size, connections and stylistic fit, he's certainly a name to remember as the Falcons move closer towards draft season.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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