Mel Kiper Jr. would bet on Will Levis being the No. 1 overall draft pick

Six months ago, Will Levis started popping up on NFL Draft boards. Now, one of the most well-respected draft experts believes he’ll be the No. 1 overall pick.

On Keyshawn, JWill & Max this morning, Mel Kiper Jr. said that if he had to bet on it, he’d pick Levis to hear his name called first in next year’s draft. Levis was No. 4 on Kiper’s big board a few weeks ago, but now, ESPN’s draft insider believes he has the potential to go No. 1, ahead of CJ Stroud and Bryce Young.

“Levis is the guy in an NFL offense at Kentucky, has had some rough moments with the turnovers, I get that. But he’s at Kentucky. The offensive line has not helped him much. He has to work hard for what he does there, and that’s in the NFL, it doesn’t come easy. It comes easy for pitch-and-catch quarterbacks; it doesn’t come easy at Kentucky and that’s gonna help Will Levis transition quick into the NFL.

“So, he’s the kind of guy, I would say if I had to bet on who’s going to be the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft right now guys, I would bet on Will Levis from Kentucky.”

Kiper isn’t the only draft expert singing Levis’ praises this week. Yesterday, ESPN’s Todd McShay moved Levis up to No. 7 on his draft board, the third-best QB behind Stroud (3rd) and Young (4th). McShay was in Oxford to see Levis play in person on Saturday and told Paul Finebaum he believes the Kentucky senior has No. 1 overall pick potential.

Through five games, Levis is 97-141 (68.8%) for 1,405 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He ranks second in the SEC and ninth nationally in pass efficiency (174.91).

Levis questionable for Saturday’s game vs. South Carolina

Of course, all of this praise comes as we’re finding out that Levis may not be able to play vs. South Carolina. Last night, news broke that Levis is questionable for Saturday’s game with a lower leg injury he suffered in last week’s loss at Ole Miss. He will be a game-time decision. If Levis is unable to play, KSR is hearing redshirt freshman Kaiya Sheron will start at quarterback for the Cats.

Get well soon, Will.