Who Is The Most Polarizing Quarterback? Will Levis
Will Levis
Kentucky | Quarterback | 6’4″, 229 lbs
2022 Stats
Passing: 185 compl | 283 att (65.4 compl %) | 2,406 yds (8.5 yds/att) | 19 TD | 10 INT
Rushing: 72 att | -107 yds (-1.5 yds/carry) | 2 TD
Pros
Will Levis has the requisite size, athleticism and arm strength to be a capable starting quarterback in the NFL. In other words, Levis has the proverbial “tools” that talent evaluators like to see. These tools, alongside first-round draft capital, will insulate Levis’ value for his first year or two in the NFL.
I would be remiss if I did not highlight the fact that Will Levis’ is, how you say, built like a brick shit house. While this has no bearing on my evaluation, I made you look!
Understandably, critics view Levis’ Pro Day showing as the Zach Wilson smoke screen all over again. However, this simply reinforces what we could all see in college. That is Will Levis has an arm that would make Uncle Rico blush.
It is easy to see why NFL talent evaluators are drawn to Levis’ arm strength and quick release. This is supplemented with a comfort in throwing off-platform without much loss in arm strength. When needed Levis also shows a willingness to tuck and run with his athletic 6’4″ frame that is not commonly seen at the quarterback position.
While the 2022 season did not show it, in 2021 Levis rushed for a career-high nine touchdowns. Rushing upside is king for the quarterback position in fantasy football. While he will not be confused for Anthony Richardson any time soon, Levis boasts above average mobility. Albeit in a less agile, more straight-line sense.
Cons
Having the tools is one thing. Being able to put it all together at NFL speed is something entirely different.
A redshirt senior, Levis will enter the NFL at the age of 24 years old and having started two seasons with very mixed results. In two seasons as the starting quarterback for Kentucky, Levis totaled 43 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Jeff Bell puts Levis’ decision-making in perspective when compared to fellow 2023 rookie classmates Bryce Young and CJ Stroud.
Levis has exposure to a pro-style offense; however, he has inconsistency sensing pocket pressure and throwing with anticipation. While his arm strength and mobility can often mask these deficiencies, development in these areas will be crucial to avoiding career-hindering strings of sacks and interceptions in the NFL.
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Defenders of Levis will attribute his struggles in 2022 to his lack of supporting cast and lingering ankle injury, the latter of which occurred in October. The reasons are valid, but that does not outweigh Levis only having one notable season as a starter despite being a redshirt senior. Further, simply being an older rookie does not automatically grant a prospect a higher floor in terms of production and overall NFL readiness.
Summary
Will Levis’ tools alongside his inconsistencies make for a polarizing prospect, leading to analysts and fantasy football managers picking their respective sides. I have Levis slotted as the QB-4 in the 2023 NFL rookie class, despite having a soft spot for Hendon Hooker at the QB-5.
The comparable quarterbacks include Ryan Tannehill and Carson Wentz. Both quarterbacks tout big, athletic frames but are plagued with inconsistent decision-making, leading to varied success as passers in the NFL.
As noted in a prior article, “If they are one of the 32 starting quarterbacks, they have a place on my dynasty roster.” By most analysts’ projections, Levis will get first-round draft capital and ultimately be given the opportunity to start and that has value in superflex dynasty fantasy football.
2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid-Late 1st
Ideal Role: Landing Spot Dependent Starting QB (Needs strong supporting cast to develop)
Player Comp: Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz
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