The Virginia Cavaliers only have two NFL Draft prospects that may hear their names called during the tentpole event at the end of April. Here are the scouting reports for both Anthony Johnson and Dontayvion Wicks.
Virginia 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Anthony Johnson, CB
Strengths: Louisville transfer who displays a lot of next-level ability. Fluid flipping his hips in transition, strong, and physically beats receivers down to defend passes. Easily runs downfield with opponents, plays to his 40 time — if not faster — and has a solid closing burst.
Quickly picks up assignments in zone, fires to the ball out of his plant, and gives effort defending the run. Displayed a lot of ability during three days of Senior Bowl practice.
MORE: FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Weaknesses: Slow reacting to receivers’ moves off the line, which puts him a half-step behind opponents. Does more hitting than wrap-up tackling. Slow getting his head back around to locate the pass in the air.
Overall: Johnson is a physically impressive DB with long arms and next-level size and ball skills. He possesses a lot of upside, but often looks like he’s more athlete than football player. Johnson has enough ability to start in dime packages, then, hopefully, develop into a third cornerback on a roster.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR
Strengths: Athletic receiver who flashes game-dominating ability. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, immediately gets to top speed, and plays to his 40 time. Tracks the deep pass in the air, extends his hands, and snatches the ball away from his frame.
Adjusts to the errant throw, possesses eye/hand coordination, and makes the reception in stride. Uses the sidelines well, keeps the play in bounds, and works to pick up yardage after the catch. Shows good route discipline, works across the field, and has a sturdy frame that he uses to shield away defenders. Uses his hands to separate from opponents.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t always come away with the difficult reception. Has lapses in concentration that leads to drops. Missed time with injury last season and played in just eight games.
Overall: Much was expected from Wicks after his tremendous junior campaign of 2021, but injury and poor QB play at Virginia led to disappointing results. He’s a big-bodied receiver with long arms, large hands, and big-play ability. While he previously displayed Day 2 ability, I expect Wicks to be selected at the start of Day 3. If properly coached and developed, he could be a steal at the WR position.
Want more information on Wicks? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Keytaon Thompson, WR
Strengths: Tall, big-framed receiver who is best running short or intermediate routes. Works routes, displays eye/hand coordination, and uses his frame to protect the pass. Stays low exiting breaks, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and extends his hands to offer the quarterback a target.
Quickly transitions upfield after the catch and works to pick up positive yardage. Comes back to the QB to make himself an available target and competes to come away with the catch in a crowd.
Weaknesses: Average route runner who lacks a quick release off the line of scrimmage. Gathers into breaks. Doesn’t consistently come away with the difficult catch in contorted positions. Lets too many difficult throws that should be caught slip by. Possesses average quickness and speed. Watched his production drop off last season.
Overall: Thompson is a big-bodied WR who catches the ball with proper fundamentals, yet he comes with speed and athletic limitations. He may be best adding 10-15 pounds and then transitioning to a move tight end.