As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Will Levis.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)
6’3″ – 232 lbs.
Background:
Comes from a football/athletic family. Originally attended Penn St., redshirting and then backing up Sean Clifford for two seasons, one start per year notwithstanding. Transferred to Kentucky before the 2021 season and led the Wildcats to a 10-3 record, passing for 2,826 yards (66.0%, 8.0 YPA) with 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 107-376-9 line on the ground. Did not appear in the bowl game but went 7-4 as a starter this past year, with 2,406 yards (65.4%, 8.5 YPA), 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Positives:
Two-year starter under two pro offensive coordinators. A big, thickly-built quarterback with a strong frame. He has experience playing from under center in a pro-style offense. Looks light on his feet in the pocket, without a heel click at the back. Capable of throwing while rolling out to either side; offense this past year involved a lot of bootlegs off of play-action.
Shows the ability to work through progressions. Throws come out on time in the quick game. Has a quick release and high release point. Arm talent is outstanding; the ball jumps out of his hand with a nice spiral, and he can zip throws into tight windows. Drives passes with velocity into tight spaces over the middle of the field. Shows confidence in his ability to make all the throws. Knows when to take something off of his passes, generally using appropriate touch. Able to sidestep pressure and extend the play or climb the pocket. Willing to take a hit to complete a pass, standing tall as pressure bears down. Didn’t run as much this past year, but is a good athlete with a physical style on the ground, capable of breaking tackles in the pocket and punishing defenders in the open field.
Negatives:
Will be 24 years old as a rookie. At least 23% of his throws came behind the line of scrimmage in each of the past two seasons. Had just three games over 230 yards this past season under Rich Scangarello, none inside the conference (one in the SEC in 2021). Completed just one of 12 deep throws down the right side of the field this past year.
Decision-making and feel for what defenses are doing is a work is a progress. Doesn’t always transfer weight effectively into his throws, leading to accuracy issues. Has a tendency to underthrow passes off his back foot despite his superior arm strength. Effeciency plummets when under pressure, completing fewer than half of his throws over the past two years. Doesn’t seem to sense backside pressure very well. His physical running style causes him to take a relatively high amount of punishment.
Summary:
A player whose high-level physical and mental attributes will likely earn him a spot among the first 10 or so picks in this year’s class, although there are certainly some issues with weight transfer and accuracy. It’s fair to wonder why he didn’t dominate in conference play like you’d like to see from a top prospect. Has the ceiling of a high-end starter with a relatively high potential to bust, so risk tolerance among teams may lead to somewhat divergent grades. Would ideally be able to sit behind a veteran for at least part of his rookie season.
Projection: Round 1
Other 2023 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects
- Max Duggan (QB – TCU)
- Jaren Hall (QB – Brigham Young)
- Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
- Tanner McKee (QB – Stanford)
- Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
- CJ Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
- Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
*Note: Metrics via PFF
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