The 2023 NFL Draft will bring the usual drama that we’ve come to expect. There are expected to be four first-round quarterbacks, and there’s no consensus on any of them. Any one of Kentucky’s Will Levis, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and Florida’s Anthony Richardson could become the best player of the group.
Levis has been of particular interest to evaluators because of the situation he’s coming from at Kentucky. The Wildcats regressed in 2022 after losing key talent around Levis. His stats aren’t impressive, but he certainly looks the part with a strong arm and a 6’3″, 232-pound frame.
We’re breaking down where Levis could land in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has a wide range of outcomes based on team needs and preferences. Let’s dive into where is most likely and where our recent mock drafts have him.
Will Levis Landing Spots
Levis has been maligned for inconsistent accuracy and efficiency, posting only 46 touchdowns to 25 interceptions throughout his career. Some of that concern is fair, as Levis is prone to missing his receivers and putting the ball at risk unnecessarily. However, he’s not nearly as fundamentally inaccurate as big-armed prospects of the past who failed spectacularly in the NFL.
He’s aware of his strengths, telling reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine that throwing at the event was advantageous “because I’ve got a cannon, and I’m gonna show it off.”
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There’s little doubt he’s right there, and his arm talent and athleticism help him overcome his inconsistencies. Showing attention to detail and mechanical improvements at the Combine and his pro day can help boost his stock.
Levis opted against throwing at the East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl due to injuries he suffered throughout the 2022 season. This may have been a mistake, as PFN’s Tony Pauline called the decision “a bit head-scratching,” considering the East team was led by Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. It’s now more important for Levis to show out at these next two events.
Falcons Could Provide Competition for Desmond Ridder
The Falcons make a lot of sense for Levis, but it’s unclear whether they’ll get the chance to take him. 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder was an uneven collegiate performer and struggled to really claim the job in his limited playing time as a rookie. Smith shouldn’t enter this offseason fully committed to Ridder.
If Levis crushes interviews and workouts, it’s not out of the question he could go No. 1 or No. 2 overall. The Bears may trade out of the top spot, and it’s feasible that a team loves Levis. While I prefer Stroud and Richardson to Levis, I see his appeal. Levis is good under pressure and has experience working under center and being effective in a play-action offense.
The Texans and Colts figure to have the first crack at Levis because they pick the highest right now. The Seahawks and Lions have both kept the door open to taking a QB as well. But the Raiders, Falcons, and Panthers, who sit with the seventh, eighth, and ninth picks, respectively, have a massive need right now to address the position as opposed to the Seahawks and Lions.
Should the Raiders Target a QB in the NFL Draft?
The Raiders likely have the best situation right now for Levis, though head coach Josh McDaniels has stated his preference for a veteran passer. If he lands Jimmy Garoppolo, then Levis is likely off their board. That would potentially open the door for Atlanta or Carolina to take him.
Panthers Need Consistency Under Center
The Panthers are especially intriguing because they hired head coach Frank Reich but are operating from a disadvantageous position. Reich has worked with big-arm quarterbacks like Carson Wentz previously, and stated they’d draft a quarterback in an “ideal world.” However, they’ve also been said to be interested in both Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers.
Will Levis Mock Draft Rankings
Levis, who is No. 59 on PFN’s Big Board, is getting a major boost in mock drafts because of the importance of his position.
Levis’ mock draft landing spots are all over the place in the first round, likely due to the volatile nature of his evaluations. His recent mock draft destinations include going No. 7 to the Raiders, No. 10 to the Buccaneers via a trade-up with the Eagles, and No. 16 to the Commanders. The trade-up scenario is entirely possible, considering the current draft order will make it tough for several needy teams to add a passer.
Levis is often ranked as the third or fourth quarterback off the board. I’d have him as my QB3 ahead of Young but behind Richardson and Stroud. In the right situation, Levis can be an effective player who can create chunk plays and play with efficiency.