3 players the Patriots could have drafted instead of Chad Ryland
By Rhys Knott
Players the Patriots could have drafted instead of Chad Ryland #2: Dontayvion Wicks
Wide receiver play has been a problem for the Patriots since they drafted N’Keal Harry in 2019. And the struggles have only intensified since they let Jakobi Meyers leave for Las Vegas.
The 2023 draft turned out to be full of talent in the wide receiver position (Puka Nacua was the 20th selected). And while the Patriots did draft two receivers, Kayshon Boutte was an injury concern so that they could have easily taken another one. Dontayvion Wicks was taken 47 picks after Ryland.
Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks. Touchdown x 2 😎 pic.twitter.com/ukn39LXssS
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) January 7, 2024
Wicks caught 39 passes during the regular season; only Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed caught more for the Packers. He also hauled in 4 touchdowns, and his 14.6 yards per touch average led the Packers.