The Green Bay Packers were one of the most surprising teams in the NFL last season. Not only was Jordan Love taking over as the starting quarterback after sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons, but the Packers also surrounded him with a group of pass catchers comprised of first and second-year players. The idea was that Love and his offense would grow and mature together with the hope being that they would eventually play like an elite offense.
Make no mistake: it took a few weeks for the Packers’ offense to find its groove. Indeed, after their 2-5 start it looked like Green Bay had made a mistake to the rest of the NFL. But a 7-3 finish to the season, an upset of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Playoffs, and the stellar play of Love and his wide receivers have changed the narrative surrounding the team.
The Green Bay Packers Are Loaded at Wide Receiver
![Green Bay Packers: 1 of Team's Young Wide Receivers Named Among the Most Underrated in the NFL 1 Green Bay Packers, Dontayvion Wicks](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22293130_168400517_lowres-e1719693995127-229x300.jpg)
One of the questions many asked regarding the Packers roster this offseason was whether or not they would try to go out and get a bonified wide receiver one. They have not had one since they traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders after the 2021 NFL season.
Green Bay, though, has made the decision that they do not need a wide receiver like that considering all of the talent they have at the position. Indeed, several of their young pass catchers put up really solid numbers in 2023:
Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
Romeo Doubs | 59 | 674 | 8 |
Christian Watson | 28 | 422 | 5 |
Jayden Reed | 64 | 793 | 8 |
Dontayvion Wicks | 39 | 581 | 4 |
Malik Heath | 15 | 125 | 1 |
Bo Melton | 16 | 218 | 1 |
Luke Musgrave | 34 | 352 | 1 |
Tucker Kraft | 31 | 355 | 2 |
Ben Sims | 4 | 21 | 1 |
As mentioned, all of the players listed above were all in their first or second year in the NFL last season.
Jayden Reed’s 64 receptions was a franchise record for a rookie wide receiver, as were Luke Musgrave’s 34 receptions for a rookie tight end.
As the 2024 season approaches, many wonder which wide receiver will step up and be the premier target. Green Bay believes that they have four premier targets and that any one of them will fill the role of wide receiver one in any given week.
However, one of them often gets overlooked.
Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Dontayvion Wicks Named One of the Most Underrated in the NFL
![Green Bay Packers: 1 of Team's Young Wide Receivers Named Among the Most Underrated in the NFL 2 Green Bay Packers, Dontayvion Wicks](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22295265_168400517_lowres-255x300.jpg)
When fans and analysts try to label a player on the Packers as their number one wide receiver, they will usually identify Christian Watson (when healthy), Reed, or even Romeo Doubs. However, more and more people are starting to notice that is Dontayvion Wicks who just might be the best wide receiver on the team.
For now, though, he is still underrated as Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report writes:
“Wicks came in ninth in ESPN Analytics’ overall receiver rankings based on player-tracking data. That’s just below Tee Higgins and just above Puka Nacua. His highest scores came from his ability to catch the ball and gain yards after the catch.
“The Packers have an ascending offense, and Wicks has the tools to become a household name along with the unit.”
Green Bay has four very good young wide receivers. They are so talented that there will come a time in the next two years where they may not be able to afford to keep them all.
One could bet on Wicks being one that they will do anything to keep around, though.
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