The 2023 NFL Draft has begun, but Will Levis’ experience is already that of a giant, first drop rollercoaster. Just a few days ago, the Kentucky Wildcats quarterback was the heavy favorite second overall to the Houston Texans. Now three quarterbacks in his class have been selected ahead of him and he’s completely out of the first round: Alabama’s Bryce Young (first overall for the Carolina Panthers), Ohio State’s CJ Stroud (second overall for the Houston Texans), and Florida’s Anthony Richardson (fourth overall for the Indianapolis Colts).
Levis showed his arm strength of his knees on Twitter a few days ago but it seems his step back in 2022 Kentucky (19 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions) from his 2021 campaign (24 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions) plus his age (he will be 24 when the 2023 season starts) hurt his cause. Levi’s’ medical profile also seems to be a problemmost notably with a left toe injury that saw him miss a few matches in 2022.
With a fall on the 2023 NFL Draft board likely, here are some potential Day 2 landing spots for the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the league.
Los Angeles Rams: 36th Overall Pick (2nd Round)
The 36th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is the Rams first, and if they’re not confident in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s health going forward, Levis could be a draft-and-development pick for the Rams’ future after Stafford’s neck injury. and a head injury that saw him miss eight of the last nine games of the 2022 season. The current Kentucky Wildcats offensive coordinator Liam Coen was Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator in 2022, so if the Rams need additional information on Levis, they have an internal source.
Seattle Seahawks: 37th Overall Pick (2nd Round)
Yes, the Seahawks just re-signed Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith to a three-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason after he led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%, setting the Seahawks’ single-season record) while he topped 10 in passing yards (4,282, eighth in NFL and set Seahawks’ single-season record), passing touchdowns (30, fourth most in NFL), and passer rating (100.9, fifth in NFL) in 2022.
However, Smith will turn 33 in October and this was his first Pro Bowl season after spending most of his nine-year career as a backup. Levis could learn that would allow Smith to turn his career around for a year, and then it could be Levis time. Smith has no guaranteed salary on his contract after 2023, making him a very agile player. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll repeatedly said the opportunity was “absolutely presentto take a quarterback in Round 1 of this first-round two-pick draft. This is a chance to get someone who most thought was a Round 1 talent in Round 2.
Las Vegas Raiders: 38th Overall Pick (2nd Round)
Josh McDaniels has greatly developed Mac Jones as a rookie during the 2021 season as he became only the 10th rookie rookie in league history to throw for over 3,500 passing yards and over 20 passing touchdowns. Yes, they just signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.8 million contract in free agency, but there’s no guaranteed money after 2024. Levis could be someone McDaniels grooms to become Jimmy G’s eventual long-term successor. for 2025 and beyond.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 50th Overall Pick (2nd Round)
Levis could immediately compete with Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield for the starting spot of the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Even if he doesn’t win, Levis would be in a nice place to develop with receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin close by. Mayfield is only on a one-year contract, so Levis could get playing time opportunities in 2024 if it falls through in 2023.
Minnesota Vikings: 87th Overall Pick (3rd Round)
Losing at home in the NFC wildcard round at home to Daniel Jones and the New York Giants took just about all the air out of the Vikings’ first season under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Quarterback Kirk Cousins’ checkdown on fourth-and-eighth with the game on the line was the most staggering game of that game. The soon-to-be 35-year-old will enter the final year of his contract in 2023, so Levis can spend a season learning the ropes from Cousins and then hit the field in 2024 ready to target 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson early and often.