The 2023 NFL Draft is deep at quarterback with four signal-callers projected to be top-10 picks. However, each of this year’s prospects carries some notable concerns and limitations, including Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis.
Levis, turning 24 in June, didn’t play up to expectations last season at Kentucky. The 6-foot-4 quarterback struggled with his accuracy, especially against SEC opponents. However, the Wildcats’ star played through injuries and experienced multiple play-caller changes during his career.
Related: Will Levis scouting report
Even after impressive performances at Kentucky’s Pro Day, many view Levis as a tier below his peers. He is fourth in Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL Draft quarterback rankings and many believe there’s a possibility he is drafted after Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson.
- Will Levis stats (2022): 65.4% completion rate, 19-10 TD-INT, 151.9 passer rating, 8.5 ypa, 2,406 passing yards in 11 games
As NFL teams begin finalizing their draft boards and start concluding their evaluations on the top prospects, a consensus seems to be emerging in regard to Levis and one of his weaknesses.
Appearing on Robby & Rexrode, Yahoo Sports’ NFL insider Charles Robinson said that while teams believe Levis has the strongest arm in the draft class, there is a shared concern when it comes to his decision-making on the field.
“Here’s what I can tell you about Levis: when you talk to teams, unquestionably they love his skill set. I think most everybody agrees that he has the best arm in the draft. But I think ultimately they’re like, ‘Look, there is a decision-making aspect of this that we can’t get away from, and it’s not like we’re looking at film and he’s playing with a team that is completely devoid of NFL talent…He’s definitely playing against a lot of NFL talent, and he’s making bad decisions pretty consistently.”
Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson on Kentucky QB Will Levis
The concerns with his decision-making can be traced back to several things. Bill Parcels’ rules for drafting a quarterback include the requirement of a 2-1 TD-INT ratio, which Levis didn’t meet last season. NFL teams also likely can see the concerning splits Levis had versus different opponents.
Related: Growing buzz Indianapolis Colts want Will Levis
Against MAC teams in 2022, Levis completed 67.2 percent of his passes with a 191.4 passer rating and a 7-1 TD-INT line. When he faced SED defenses this past season, he held a 63.2 percent completion rate with a 131.1 passer rating and an 8-7 TD-INT line.
It’s fairly similar to what happened in 2021. While Levis played better in his first season as Kentucky’s starting quarterback, there was a contrast in his performance against SEC competition. Levis had a 9-3 TD-INT ratio against non-conference opponents compared to a 13-8 TD-INT line vs SEC teams.
The physical tools he offers will still make Levis a top pick in the NFL Draft, but it seems evident many view him as the fourth-best quarterback available. If he doesn’t land with the right team, starting on a roster with a bad offensive line and a below-average receiving corps, Levis could struggle to live up to his potential.