10 Games Prove Will Levis is a Bust

These 10 games over the past two seasons have raised a lot of red flags when it comes to Kentucky’s Will Levis.

As someone who has worked in the NFL, I can’t understand why this quarterback (QB) is being mentioned in mainstream first-round discussions.

There is nothing in these 10 games that suggests he should be selected prior to the seventh round.

I will go on any show and debate anyone about Levis.

The game film is on my side of the argument.

Levis is Jets’ quarterback Zach Wilson all over again – – only without Wilson’s mobility.

Doesn’t lead with consistent rhythm and tempo

Levis is a streaky passer, and his inconsistencies prevent him from getting into any kind of rhythm and tempo.

This is one of the most overlooked important characteristics of the QB position, which is the ability to bring a consistent rhythm and tempo to an offense.

That doesn’t describe this Kentucky QB.

Levis looked good when he released quickly and on time (which is the allure), but then he keeps reverting back to looking unsure and holding the ball too long.

That’s when everything breaks down.

Erratic downfield ball placement

This is one of the most important things a QB needs to have at the NFL level.

This is not completion percentage, but rather the ability QBs have to put the ball exactly where it needs to go downfield to give receivers their best chance to pick up additional yardage after the catch.

Levis’s downfield ball placement is all over the road at all three route levels short, intermediate, and deep.

He even struggled sometimes putting short passes where they needed to be. Then at other times (like on slant routes) the ball is right on the money.

Passes tended to be too high, too low, behind receivers and over their heads.

This is going to be a serious issue.

Problems with mechanics

This is one of the most inconsistent parts of his game – – his mechanics.

Levis is inconsistent going through his progressions. He would rather stare down his intended receivers before throwing.

He also likes to pat the ball pre-delivery. This is a tell that clues in corners he’s about to throw. This gives them additional time to break on and defend passes.

Levis struggled when he couldn’t set his feet before throwing (rolling out, falling backward in the pocket, under pressure).

Next to no mobility

Levis is a sitting duck in the pocket who has no feel for pressure.

He isn’t much for escaping the pass rush.

Levis is tough as nails as a runner – – he just isn’t that good at it. He doesn’t look athletic or agile. He’s a big and awkward moving target.

Going to a bad team?

If Levis ends up going in the top 10 (for whatever reason), it will be a certain disaster.

Top-10 teams are in that position, because last season, they had the worst records in the NFL.

When taking all of the stated outlined factors into consideration, and then adding in the possibility of him going to an environment of high expectations with pre-existing deficiencies, he doesn’t stand a chance.

#7 Will Levis 6-foot-3, 232 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Seventh-Round (I would not select him)

Projected by 94.7% (up from 89.0% on December 30) to be a first-round pick as of March 19, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Previous two articles:

“Expect Will Levis to Look Overwhelmed in the NFL”

“Will Levis is Overrated”

Level of competition: High

Previous 6 games evaluated: (2021) Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri (2022) Florida, Mississippi State, and Tennessee (click to view games)

Additional 2022 game film used for this evaluation: Ole Miss, Georgia, Miami-Ohio, and Louisville

2021 stats: 233/353 (66.0%) 2,826 yards (8.0 avg.), 24 TD, 13 INT., 22 sacks

2022 stats: 185/283 (65.4%) 2,406 yards (8.5 avg.), 19 TD, 10 INT., 36 sacks

NFL comparable: Heath Shuler

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Inconsistent pro-style pocket passer with good arm strength and below-average mobility. Good initial ball handling, but looks tight and robotic in terms of mechanics. Average poise and awareness. Doesn’t look comfortable in the pocket. Eats sacks. Best in the short throwing range. Erratic intermediate to deep. Inside slants are his best throw. Puts heat on the ball. Struggles throwing outside of the pocket. Not too accurate throwing outside of the hashes. Not a running threat.

Final words

I would take Wilson over Levis.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.