Draft Notebook: Will Levis is still popular despite some new scouting concerns

Draft month has arrived and the opening round of the 2023 NFL Draft is now just three weeks away. Franchises are doing their final homework assignments before making essential team-building decisions. The most important ones will be at quarterback.

The draft figures to start at pick No. 3 as the Carolina Panthers (No. 1 overall) and Houston Texans (No. 2 overall) will likely spit Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. After that, it is anyone’s best guess on what direction this draft will head.

Will Levis is one of the numerous prospects that could go anywhere in the top 10. There are also some who think the Kentucky quarterback could fall deep into the first round. Much is on the table for one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft.

Indianapolis Colts get one-on-one time in Lexington

While the rest of the sports world was focused on round one of the Masters on Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts made their way to Lexington to get a closer look at Will Levis. Jim Irsay’s team brought the entire gang.

The Colts' private workout of Kentucky QB Will Levis took place this AM. Indy brought a convoy to Lexington for it—GM Chris Ballard, HC Shane Steichen, OC Jim Bob Cooter, QBs coach Cam Turner, ass't GM Ed Dodds and college director Matt Terpening were all there, per sources.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 6, 2023

The Colts are a little unorthodox in the fact that the AFC South franchise was lightly represented at pro days preferring to watch quarterback prospects in a more intimate setting. Levis looked to impressed the franchise that owns the No. 4 overall pick.

Unless the Arizona Cardinals decide to trade out of the No. 3 overall slot, the Colts could have the first choice at quarterback with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen taking over in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans also have future visits scheduled with Levis and the Houston Texans have also spent time with the former Penn State transfer.

The interest has not slowed down as NFL teams get ready for any possible scenarios come draft day.

Will Levis falls outside of top-10 in another mock draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is a huge Will Levis fan. His colleague Todd McShay has been more hesitant in his evaluation. The draft analyst had the Kentucky quarterback falling all the way to No. 14 overall in his latest mock draft with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading up to select Levis.

“Levis has some stuff to work on — namely his footwork and turnover avoidance — but he has the physical traits to be a franchise quarterback,” writes McShay. “He comes from a pro-style offense, has a massive arm and can tuck and run with physicality.”

McShay joins NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah who had Levis falling to the Bucs at No. 19 overall. The ESPN analyst explained his reasoning on why the Kentucky quarterback is losing steam in the draft process.

“Will Levis? I had him dropping,” McShay said on “Get Up on” Tuesday. “Listen. Big arm, strong, physical guy, really good mobility, heart of a lion. But, on the opposite side, I question his instincts inside the pocket. He’s a bodybuilder now, just ripped. And you see it in his throwing with a tight upper body.”

“There’s concerns about him protecting the football. Twenty-three interceptions the last two years, which is the third worst in the FBS. So there’s a lot of questions with Levis.”

The shirtless photos Levis posted on Instagram last week seem to have some people in draft media worried. So many scenarios appear to be on the table for Levis.

I’m fully expecting a wild first-round

The first round of the NFL Draft is a few short weeks away and we still don’t know for sure where Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers will play professional football next year. Add in the fact that there appear to be a bunch of varying opinions on QB3/QB4 in this draft class and we could be in for a wild first round.

In the top 10, there are a handful of teams (Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons) who have a starter but are less sure about the future. It wouldn’t be crazy if any decided to draft a quarterback in the first round. The same is true for the Tennessee Titans (No. 11 overall) and Washington Commanders (No. 16 overall). Another big trade-up could be coming our way.

Outside of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young coming off the board to start the night, everything is on the table. That should lead to a highly entertaining television product in Kansas City.