VDT: Kentucky QB Will Levis Is a Polarizing Prospect
Unlike the 2022 NFL Draft, the 2023 Draft has multiple QBs that are expected to go in the early portions of the first round. One of these quarterbacks is Kentucky QB Will Levis. The prospect brings an intriguing combination of size and athleticism in the pocket, but just how good will he be in the NFL?
That is the question we will try to answer in today’s edition of Vikings Draft Thermometer series, PurplePTSD‘s one-stop shop for all your 2023 NFL Draft needs. Throughout this series, we have examined a number of prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, what exactly their role could be at the NFL level, and most importantly, whether or not they could end up playing their first NFL snaps in a Vikings uniform.
Background
- Height: 6’3
- Weight: 222 pounds
- School: Kentucky
- Games Watched: Florida (2022), Tennessee (2022), Georgia (2022), Louisville (2022)
Statistics
- 2019: 28/47 (59.6%), 223 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs; 51 rushes, 213 yards, 3 TDs (6 games)
- 2020: 33/55 (60.0%), 421 yards, 1 TD; 82 rushes, 260 yards, 3 TDs (8 games)
- 2021: 233/353 (66.0%), 2826 yards, 24 TDs, 13 INTs; 107 rushes, 376 yards, 9 TDs (13 games)
- 2022: 185/283 (65.4%), 2406 yards, 19 TDs, 10 INTs; 72 rushes, -107 yards, 2 TDs (11 games)
Strengths
Will Levis brings a very intriguing physical profile with him in a class that contrasts what, say, Bryce Young is at the top of this draft class. The fact that Levis is built with a linebacker-esque frame and can be a mobile player under center will certainly cause him to rise up draft boards this spring.
Additionally, he showcases terrific arm strength and can even put some touch on these deep passes where only his receiver can make a play on the ball. There is a lot to like about Levis as a football player, and he will certainly be one of the first QBs off the board in April.
Weaknesses
While Levis has a lot of the physical traits that teams desire in a modern-day NFL quarterback, he has a lot of work to do in terms of his technique as a passer and his internal clock. He can be a bit indecisive at times in the pocket, holding onto the ball too long, allowing for either big sacks or defensive backs to read his eyes and close in on his intended receiver.
While he is plenty capable of putting touch on deep passes, this is another area that he simply needs to be more consistent. He can airmail throws that land well out of reach of his receivers.
Finally, he is a very mixed bag when facing pressure. At times, he can scramble out of the pocket and deliver sharp, accurate balls, but he can also become erratic in these situations making decisions that end in turnovers.
NFL Projection
- Draft Round: Top 10-Late First
- Immediate Role: Fringe Starting QB
- Best-Case Scenario: More athletic Dak Prescott
- Vikings Draft Temperature: 15
In all, Levis brings with him all the traits required to be a starting NFL quarterback. The question is will he put it all together and make it happen. Personally, I have my doubts, but there will certainly be a team in the first round willing to take a shot on him for his arm talent and athleticism.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.