Packers are left with obvious Dontayvion Wicks decision after big win

Few Green Bay Packers played have endured a season quite as frustrating as Dontayvion Wicks.

Tipped as a breakout candidate before the season, Wicks has failed to meet expectations due to his struggles to hang on to the football. He gets open consistently and blocks well, but it's the final part that continues to elude him.

Wicks had another drop in the Packers' win over the Miami Dolphins—his seventh of the season—which almost resulted in an interception. He tipped the ball into the air, but fortunately, Christian Watson contested the ball and prevented a turnover.

Many have called for the Packers to reduce Wicks' snap counts due to his lack of consistency. However, they should do the opposite. No matter how frustrating his drops are, the Packers must persist and give him the chance to work it out. His upside is far too high, and he proved them right for sticking with him on Thursday night.

Dontayvion Wicks proves Packers right for giving him full-time role vs. Dolphins

Outside of Wicks' drop early in the game, he made several significant contributions. With Romeo Doubs unavailable due to a concussion, Wicks played his second-highest snap total of the season. He may not have dominated on the stat sheet, but the second-year receiver made an impact.

Wicks made multiple key blocks in the game, including on touchdowns for Josh Jacobs and Jayden Reed. He also created space on Reed's 23-yard rush.

There's no doubting Wicks' willingness as a blocker, and he's great in that role. Reed and Bo Melton are the only Packers receivers with better PFF run-blocking grades this season. It's such an important piece of Matt LaFleur's offense, and Wicks does it brilliantly.

We can't talk about Wicks' talent without mentioning his release and route-running. He makes getting open look easy.

According to PFF, Wicks had a league-best separation percentage of 75 entering Week 12. He gained separation on 48 of his 64 opportunities. It's not just the best percentage for the Packers, but the entire league. Wicks continued that trend against the Dolphins, even when matched up one-on-one against All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Wicks has to fix his drops issues. We all like to talk about him following the Davante Adams career arc. Adams had a similar problem in his second season, but nothing is guaranteed. Just because Adams improved his hands, it doesn't mean Wicks will. He has to work on it.

But the second-year receiver does everything else at a high level. Wicks gets open with ease, blocks for his teammates, and still contributes with big plays as a pass-catcher.

He needs to work through his mistakes, and the only way to do that is with more reps. Wicks played 48 snaps on Thursday night, second among wide receivers behind only Christian Watson, and he improved as the game went on. That needs to continue.

Wicks has Pro Bowl upside. The Packers shouldn't reduce his role, but give him more opportunities moving forward to help him find a rhythm.

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