Will Levis, QB Kentucky: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Levis was a three-star recruit from Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn. in the class of 2018

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is one of several passers who could play their way into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis took over as Kentucky’s starter last season and shows tremendous physical potential. However, he still needs to improve in multiple areas to enter the first round conversation.

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Will Levis, QB Kentucky: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt senior quarterback from Madison, Conn.

Background: Levis was a three-star recruit from Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn. in the class of 2018. He was the No. 652 recruit according to 247Sports and No. 668 for On3.com. Levis was an unranked three-star recruit for Rivals. He was an unranked three-star recruit for ESPN with a 79 grade out of 100. Levis produced 2,793 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and six rushing touchdowns as a high school senior. The previous year, he passed for 1,972 yards with 19 touchdowns and six rushing scores. He threw for 676 yards and nine scores in six games as a sophomore. Levis had a 4.0 GPA in high school and was a member of the National Honor Society. He transferred from Penn State to Kentucky in 2021. Levis has three sisters. His mother (Beth) was a two-time All-American soccer player at Yale University while his father (Mike) played football at Denison University. Levis’ grandfather (David Kelley) competed in football, lacrosse, and wrestling at UMass before becoming a defensive coach for Yale University’s football team. Levis’ great grandfather (Alva Kelley) was an All-American football player at Cornell University, where he won a National Championship in 1939. Kelley later served as the head football coach at Brown University, Colgate University, and Hobart College. Levis’ uncle (David Kelley) was an Academic All-American football player at Yale University. Levis was elected as a team captain in 2021. He was born on June 27, 1999.

2021 Production: 13 games, 353 attempts, 233 completions, 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions + 107 carries, 376 yards, 9 touchdowns

2020 Production: 8 games, 55 attempts, 33 completions, 421 yards, 1 touchdown + 82 carries, 260 yards, 3 touchdowns

2019 Production: 7 games, 47 attempts, 28 completions, 223 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions + 51 carries, 213 yards, 3 touchdowns

2018 Production: (Redshirt Year)

Injuries & Off-Field: N/A

Awards: 2019 Academic All-Big Ten, 2020 Academic All-Big Ten

Pros: Effortlessly throws the ball 50 yards downfield, terrific arm strength to hit all of the big plays, dual-threat quarterback, punishes defenses for leaving open grass in front of him, plays through contact as a runner and survives low tackles, aggressive runner, avoids the rush and extends plays, size and power to move the chains in short-yardage situations, quick and compact release, comfortable throwing on the run, active feet in the pocket, throw velocity matches his elite arm, throws from a variety of arm angles, looks fairly calm in the pocket

Cons: At least four fumbles in each of the past three years, ball placement gets him in trouble at times, occasionally late to find the open receiver, sometimes he trusts his arm too much, lets the ball get away from him on some screens and short throws, the Florida (2021) and Mississippi State (2021) games had plenty of misses, ball placement, decision-making, and work in progressions show his lack of experience, limited sample size as a starter, rolls into pressure, needs to take fewer hits to stay healthy, downfield accuracy doesn’t match his arm strength yet, instances where he needs to put more touch on the ball

Overview: Levis is unofficially listed at 6'3", 232 lbs. He’ll be an older prospect once he reaches the NFL, but the Penn State transfer showed plenty of potential in his first year as a full-time starter. Levis comes from an offensive scheme that should help him remain a step ahead of his competition at the next level. However, he’s still a long way from being a finished product. Levis displays concerning fluctuation in his anticipation, ball placement, decision-making, touch, and ability to work through his progressions. He’s still very inexperienced, but we could see him fix all of these issues in 2022. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to project Levis as a first round selection without baking in expectations for significant growth. On the bright side, Levis possesses Josh Allen-esque mobility and physicality as a runner. The Connecticut native has high-end arm talent to throw deep passes and drive the ball into small windows with velocity. Levis’ quick release is a unique trait that should endear him to many scouts.

Overall, Levis showed the potential to develop into a first round pick during his first season as a full-time starter. However, he also displayed many of the traits that are characteristic of inexperienced quarterbacks. Levis might be a top-five pick next spring, but he’s not on the level of a first round selection right now.

Role & Scheme Fit: Pro style offensive scheme from the Sean McVay tree

Round Projection: Mid Second to Early Third

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-31-22