2023 NFL Draft Profile: QB Will Levis -

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Will Levis, presumed by many to be the third quarterback in the draft took steps to the stage with a nation full of eyes. The former Kentucky standout with a pocket full of commendations and stats. Levis completed 64.9 percent of his passes, amassing 5876 yards. Not to mention, sixty-two total touchdowns highlight a prodigious stay in Lexington. The Maxwell and Manning Watch List member enthralls scouts and teams alike with his skill set.

NAME

Will Levis

POSITION

Quarterback

HEIGHT

6’3″

WEIGHT

229 Pounds

SCHOOL

Kentucky/Penn State

Strengths

First and foremost, Levis possesses the strongest arm in this year’s draft class. Additionally, with that distance resides the velocity to find receivers through the narrowest of windows. Plus, Levis shows consistent confidence in using arm strength to defeat the one-high look or shred safety help over the top. As trite as it sounds, he makes every single throw, from the hitch to the deep out with the velo to irritate defenses. Furthermore, despite NFL-typical size, the prospect shows not only nimbleness of foot, but decent acceleration. If he gets a step on defenders, those bootlegs/waggles will naturally flow for him. On keepers, draws, etc, the prospect can win versus defenders. Most importantly, Levis managed to turn himself from an afterthought to a first-rounder with hard work and diligence. Surprisingly, he flew under the radar as he improved.

Weaknesses

Like a pitching prospect with a great fastball, Levis shows the flaw of an overreliance on throwing with just velocity. As a result, accuracy takes a toll. Similarly, the film shows an inability to use touch on short/underneath routes. Some call it functionally inaccurate. In other words, the prospect will complete a pass. However, the poor ball placement eliminates any chance for yards after the catch. This hinders the big play effect that possessing such a strong arm. Additionally, throwing with an overabundance of force caused tipped passes leading to interceptions. Now, that isn’t to say that Levis, on his own won’t hit a defender, but developing touch and placement would prolong drives. From a technical standpoint, Levis relies on his arm to compensate. At the next level, he will need a quarterback coach to drill out all of the flaws to build around what he does correctly.

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Ideal Role

Due to his probable lofty draft status, Levis will start on Week One. The NFL is not the play for patience. Under the circumstances, teams will absorb early losses to justify status. So, Levis will start early on. Now, what will he need to succeed? As mentioned, some take-no-prisoners head coach must stand firm with Levis. His new franchise cannot coddle him. The mechanics and failure to quickly scan through progression require an immediate address. With that said, once Levis hammers out all, and emphasizes the word ALL the deficiencies, he will progress as a strong-armed passer with athleticism and the ability to threaten defenses at all three levels. Bolstered by a strong run game, Levis’ arm talent will be a benefit to the team. After all, verticality still means a great deal.

Potential Fits

The Colts and Raiders need quarterbacks for similar yet slight differences. First, each possesses a solid run game that will greatly assist any rookie quarterback. Next, each play in a dome where a strong arm and fast track will immediately put stress on secondaries. Now, here is where the two teams depart and the Colts shouldn’t let Levis out of their sight. Josh McDaniels allowed the Raiders’ franchise quarterback to walk away. Equally important, General Manager Dave Ziegler allowed this without compensation in return. The Raiders have a veteran running back, and a mediocre offensive line, but a dominant wideout and hyperathletic tight end. Would they realistically trust Levis to not only improve rapidly but win immediately? If Ziegler drafts Levis, his employment and future prospects rest with Will Levis. With this in mind, does Vegas roll the dice?