Teams looking to add a quarterback high in the NFL draft need production, and they need it quickly. The only quarterback with substantial experience in a pro-style offense is Will Levis, who, in 2021, played in a West Coast offense under Liam Coen — he employed the Sean McVay offense he coached under from 2018 to 2020.
Will Levis Checks Every Box
Levis is more than just experienced in a pro-style system — he has legitimate talent and might be the most complete quarterback in that he checks every box.
He wins with a remarkably strong arm that he uses not just to throw the ball deep or fit into tight windows but to dig himself out of holes and solve problems — few quarterbacks can make the throws he can when on the run, off-platform, and with pressure altering the throw.
He knows it, too. When asked why he decided to throw at the combine when other quarterbacks declined, he said, “Because I’ve got a cannon, and I’m gonna show it off.”
And on the run, he thrives — he’s a legitimate weapon as a pure runner and devastating as a scrambler. His prototypical quarterback size also means that he’s hard to take down when defenders do find a way to get to him, and he has a history of breaking tackles and sacks from some of college football’s best defenders.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
There are some quarterbacks with a high ceiling because of their athletic talent, and there are some who have high ceilings because of their arm strength.
Not only is Levis both of those, but he also outpaces the better athlete in the draft — Anthony Richardson — with much better accuracy and field vision without the size concerns found with Bryce Young or pressure concerns surrounding C.J. Stroud.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus put it succinctly when he said, “Levis’ consistency concerns are real, but so is his insane arm talent — he can reportedly throw the ball 80 yards. The arm strength doesn’t just show up with distance, either. He checks the box for velocity on short and intermediate throws as well.”
Sikkema added, “Levis is also a tough runner, and a player who has been coached by two former NFL coaches during his time at Kentucky in Liam Coen and Rich Scangarello. If you’re big into traits, this is your guy.”
Will Levis Has Consistency Concerns, But He’s Well Worth the Risk
As Sikkema alluded to, there are consistency issues with Levis, particularly when it comes to anticipation and field vision. While his vision is better than some quarterbacks in the class, it’s certainly not elite and can land him in trouble. And though he’s been better under pressure than most of his competitors in the class, he once again doesn’t find himself in elite territory.
He will need some time to develop, but QBs with his arm don’t always come around. Not only that but his best football was played in a pro-style offense. It would be tough for an NFL team to see the traits that made Josh Allen and Justin Herbert worth investing in despite their inconsistent college performances and decide to pass altogether.
Making the Case for Other Quarterbacks
Who else could be the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? We’ve made a case for each of the top quarterbacks and why it might make sense for an NFL team to venture down their chosen path.