Carrington Valentine: "Will Levis is the Best Quarterback in this Draft Class"

by:Nick Roush•03/02/23•

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The NFL Combine is a proving ground for prospects. The audition is most beneficial for fringe prospects. Typically, the best of the best don’t even participate, especially at the quarterback position. This year is an exception to that norm as Will Levis prepares to take center stage Saturday afternoon by throwing alongside CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson.

Before the spotlight turns to the quarterbacks, every corner of the football world is debating, “Who’s the best?” For former Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine, there is no debate.

“I feel like Will (Levis) is the best quarterback in this draft class. That’s coming from someone who’s on the other side of him. I know what it looks like and go against him everyday and I wholeheartedly stand by that one,” Valentine told reporters at Thursday morning’s NFL Combine media availability.

“I don’t think it’s a debate, honestly. But you know, Will’s a humble guy and I know he doesn’t let stuff get to him like that.”

Most NFL Draft analysts believe Will Levis is QB3 in this draft, behind Stroud and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young. Despite his impressive physical tools and traits, he did not provide the same consistent level of production as the other two quarterbacks. Valentine had the opportunity to consistently compete against Levis in practice at Kentucky over the last two seasons. The projected mid-round cornerback believes what will ultimately set Levis apart from his peers is in-between the ears.

“Will will be a successful NFL player because the way he approaches the game is very professional. Everyone talks about the arm talent, but nobody talks about his preparation to the game. I see him around the facility all the time, so I just feel like him being in there, day in and day out, a good team leader, he’ll be a good one.”