Quarterbacks are at all times beneath the most important microscope in soccer, that’s a given. And there’s not a extra pointless magnifying glass on sign callers than the NFL Combine. Going by all of the scouting drills seems necessary for about 5 minutes. How many analysts quoted Tom Brady or Peyton Manning’s time within the 40-yard sprint? Or how far they soared within the broad leap? Both in all probability did terribly in each disciplines they usually’ve received 9 complete Super Bowls. And the hype prepare this yr for quarterbacks received’t be extra based mostly on unimportant components than for former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
Some imagine the mayonnaise-in-coffee-loving Levis would be the first quarterback taken in April’s draft, and a few imagine he’s not a assured first-round choice with the rising inventory of former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, alongside the perceived high duo of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. Levis appears to be like phenomenal on paper forward of the draft and if possessing all of the bodily instruments have been the one issues essential to be a quarterback, he’s a slam-dunk choose. But that’s the place the curious case of Mr. Mayo comes into play.
Levis was by no means persistently nice at Kentucky. He regarded spectacular at instances all through his keep in Lexington, however peculiar SEC defenses picked him aside too usually for Miracle Whip to achieve any nationwide recognition. He’s received the arm power for positive, he’s cellular and clearly had a deep understanding of each playbook assigned with the Wildcats’ rotation of offensive coordinators in 2021 and 2022. Blame the change in scheme all you need, however what yr within the NFL will look the identical because the final? Patrick Mahomes simply received a Super Bowl in his first season with out Tyreek Hill and the Chiefs didn’t usher in a really appropriate substitute.
Levis has to indicate his consistency throughout Saturday’s on-field exercise. He’s throwing in opposition to the air. Every throw will rely for one thing and the way might he be anticipated to disarm an NFL protection if he can’t do it in Indianapolis? Levis will in fact have one other likelihood at Kentucky’s professional day, the place he’ll be extra comfy and obtain far more 1-on-1 consideration. The bother with that state of affairs is the lasting legacy of a professional day. You know who had the most effective professional day of all time? JaMarcus Russell, and Lamar Jackson’s professional day at Louisville was panned for him not being prepared for the NFL. Levis has the potential to dominate at Lucas Oil Stadium and solidify himself as a top-10 choice after this weekend. Anything much less will crater his draft inventory.
In 2021, with Liam Coen as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, he thrived with 24 landing passes. Coen is a disciple of Rams’ coach Sean McVay and returned to Los Angeles in 2022. Under Rich Scangarello, who was fired in Lexington after one season, that complete dropped to 19. And throwing two extra touchdowns in a season than there are NFL regular-season video games isn’t the most important confidence increase for a workforce drafting him. However, what quarterback on this yr’s draft doesn’t have a official pink flag? Young’s weight and general measurement shall be mentioned and what quantity seems on the NFL’s scales will decide how his inventory rises or falls within the coming weeks. Stroud is predicted to be one of many slowest quarterbacks on the 40-yard sprint and Richardson didn’t have sufficient success at Florida to present NFL higher-ups sufficient confidence at hand him the reins to their franchise. Every different draft-eligible quarterback didn’t present sufficient in school to be extremely regarded.
Levis has been in comparison with each Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky. Both have been drafted within the high 10, one which flamed out and one that appears to be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. That’s the danger that comes with drafting a quarterback that prime normally. The Bills and Bengals have skyrocketed in legitimacy within the NFL by making these alternatives on gamers which have paid off. The Commanders are hoping Sam Howell bucks the pattern of ready three many years for the franchise’s subsequent star quarterback. Levis wreaks of boom-or-bust potential. And if he stinks in Indianapolis, it’s clear which facet of that coin he’ll fall on.