GM Ryan Poles set the tone for his 2022 scouting season from the jump. He attended three games in three days last month. One thing stood out almost immediately in those contests. Each of them featured at least one wide receiver ranked among the best in the upcoming 2023 draft class. It started with Quentin Johnston of TCU, and then it was Kayshon Boutte of LSU. Both are regarded as likely 1st round picks next year.
It appears the Chicago Bears GM hasn’t stopped that trend. Reports are he was present for the Virginia-Georgia Tech game on Thursday night. The big name on display for that one was Cavaliers standout Dontayvion Wicks. He racked up 1200 yards and nine touchdowns last year and had 317 yards going into this game. As of writing this, he held 99 yards on four catches with an absolutely electric touchdown.
Dontayvion Wicks juked everyone on his way to the end zone 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/7TajKNCqLH
— ESPN (@espn) October 21, 2022
Ryan Poles saw others make plays too.
Wicks isn’t the only Virginia receiver that had himself a strong game. Keytaon Thompson had 89 yards of his own, building on his team-leading 441 yards he had going in. Thompson would be an exciting prospect under normal conditions. He’s 6’4 with solid speed and the body control to consistently win at the catch point. The problem is he is also 23 years old and turns 24 in less than a week. That means he will turn 25 before his rookie season is even half over.
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He will likely be somebody to look at in the later rounds. Ryan Poles already showed he isn’t afraid to take risks on older prospects. If Thompson finishes strong, then he will get consideration. Wicks, though, is the one to watch. He has many attributes teams covet, from 6’2 size to good hands and after-the-catch ability. If the Chicago Bears are in a position to land him on Day 2 of the draft, that would be a strong selection. Justin Fields needs more weapons. It’s nice to see his GM acknowledge that.
