PHOTO: Robert D. Cobb - INSC Media & Photography

LEXINGTON, KY – Three weeks until the 2023 NFL Draft, and while names CJ Stroud and Bryce Young seem to be at the top of draft boards everywhere, one name that seems to continuously pop up and continues to be mentioned is Kentucky Wildcats quarterback, Will Levis.

A former Penn State transfer, the 6’4 232-pound Levis displayed his “cannon” in front of numerous NFL front office personnel and scouts recently at his Pro Day down in Lexington. While he has the prototypical build and size for a prospective franchise, the issues that plagued him during what was a forgettable season under center for the Wildcats.

One year after completing 233-of-353 (66.0 percent) of his passes for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, Levis took a step back in 2022 in completing 185-of-283 passes (65.4 percent) for 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.

Some could argue that such a drop-off is perhaps due to a nagging foot injury that he was dealing with, or a new offensive coordinator in—now former OC Rich Scangarello—in leading the ‘Cats to a 7-4 record.

In what was perhaps a watershed moment of his career, Levis struggled in completing just 11 of 23 passes for 109 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in the 24th-ranked Wildcats’ 24-21 upset loss to the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores, who had a 26-game conference losing streak heading into the game.

Aside from dealing with freezing temperatures, and less-than-ideal conditions on a mid-November evening in the Commonwealth, Levis’ performance in front of numerous NFL scouts may have been put in the proverbial deep freeze, as he didn’t show any redeeming qualities of a potential top overall pick, or a potential franchise quarterback.

While there are rumors of the Newton, Massachusetts native bombing NFL draft interviews, Levis didn’t exactly show any leadership qualities or maturity on the field in looking rattled, frustrated, and less than cool under pressure.

Fast forward to April, and while Levis is polishing what was once a concern, some cannot help but wonder if he is a by-product of SEC hype because he played at Kentucky, or is he possibly the top overall prospect in the draft/ What elevates him over Stroud, Young, and possibly former Florida Gator QB Anthony Richardson?

Hype of hope?

If a team–such as the Indianapolis Colts for example–decide to pull the trigger on Levis, that is what they have to weigh, and ultimately decide and bank the future of their franchise on. The way things are trending for Levis, it would be wise to go low and let him sit a year behind a veteran, instead of going all in and throwing him under center Week 1.

Right now, Levis is looking more higher risk than reward.

 

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