The Las Vegas Raiders are in the running for a new quarterback in 2023. With Derek Carr on the way out, the Silver and Black must exhaust all avenues to remedy their situation. With that being said, while many hope for the likes of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis is in the running.
Will Levis’ Background
The Massachusetts native grew up idolizing Tom Brady in high school. Levis was a three-star recruit and was the 24th nationally ranked quarterback in 2018. However, he elected to go to Penn State University and sat behind the apple of head coach James Franklin’s eye, Sean Clifford. As a result, Levis transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he took the starter reigns for the past two seasons. In conclusion, from a statistical standpoint, he will be one of the best quarterbacks in the university’s history, as he went 17-7.
Will Levis Possesses One Hell of an Arm
When you turn on the tape, Levis’ arm strength is the first trait that jumps out.
WILL LEVIS AIRED IT OUT TO GIVE KENTUCKY SIX âœˆï¸ pic.twitter.com/ARstsewT5Q
— ESPN (@espn) September 11, 2022
He possesses a lightning-quick release and can make every throw on the football field look easy. In addition, the Kentucky standout thrives regarding arm angle and moving the launch point. Moreover, he possesses other intriguing traits.
Will Levis’ Competitive Toughness is Second to None
One of the pivotal traits of any football player is toughness. For many quarterbacks, it is a trait that some may seemingly let go by the wayside. However, Kentucky’s two-year starter refuses to let anyone out-compete him, and his offensive coordinator agrees. As a rusher, Will Levis does not hesitate to lower his should and fight for extra yards with his 6-foot-3 230-pound frame.
Will Levis running through the LSU defense 😳 pic.twitter.com/BstpvZLf6Z
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 10, 2021
So, what’s not to like? Well, there are some concerning red flags.
Red Flags and Potential Fit with the Raiders
While Will Levis can make all the throws and pull off great improvisation plays, his bad plays are head-scratching. As a result, there is much to be desired regarding quarterback progressions and decision-making. In addition, his quick release makes his accuracy on intermediate routes inconsistent when they should be easy completions.
Will Levis now has 23 interceptions in 24 starts at Kentucky pic.twitter.com/n2EDKntGo6
— PlayerProfiler College (@Profiler_CFB) November 19, 2022
In conclusion, Will Levis is more of a top 50 prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft – than a top 10 one. The Raiders cannot afford to take a chance on a player who is careless with the football, regardless of their ceiling. With a shaky defense, Levis’ chances of compounding the Raiders’ point deficit are more likely than the possibility of him becoming the team’s next great quarterback.
*Top Photo by USA Today Sports
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