We’re seeing plenty of chatter about Will Levis leading up to the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday.
In addition to a massive swing in Levis’ odds to go No. 1 overall, the Kentucky quarterback has apparently intrigued some decision makers with the New England Patriots, who pick 14th.
“As I mentioned on Felger & Holley last night, there is real interest in QB Will Levis from the Patriots. Not universally, but there are important folks in that building that believe in the talent,” longtime Patriots reporter Mike Giardi said Tuesday morning. “What I’ve heard about his visit from other stops… he hasn’t blown anyone away. That dovetails with something I was told by a couple scouts that were around the Kentucky program this year. It’s not that he’s an unlikable kid, but players didn’t gravitate to him either. Can that leadership quality/it factor be learned? The physical talents are undeniable.”
that dovetails with something I was told by a couple scouts that were around the Kentucky program this year. It’s not that he’s an unlikable kid, but players didn’t gravitate to him either. Can that leadership quality/it factor be learned? The physical talents are undeniable.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 25, 2023
New England’s reported affinity for Levis has raised eyebrows around NFL Twitter.
“Bill [Belichick] gonna strike out again when he reaches for this guy,” said one Pats fan.
Bill gonna strike out again when he reaches for this guy. https://t.co/cRHRUwyjaw
— Entering Carvelville (@Carvelville) April 25, 2023
“I cannot think of something I’d like less than us using a first to plug yet another mid QB into our trash offense,” another Pats fan added.
I cannot think of something I’d like less than us using a first to plug yet another mid QB into our trash offense. https://t.co/DRIo0L2NRZ
— Noah (@BostonOpinions) April 25, 2023
“@elonmusk I’m gonna need you to add a dislike button for things like these,” said another fan.
@elonmusk I’m gonna need you to add a dislike button for things like these https://t.co/LJ3eE3AOqq
— JA Quahliero (@JABaseball_10) April 25, 2023
“Bill Belichick would rather commit genocide than let anyone know which punter he has graded highest in round 5 but he’s letting something this big leak? C’mon man. Everything you hear this close to the draft is BS, it’s SmokeScreenSZN,” a fourth Patriots fan countered.
Bill Belichick would rather commit genocide than let anyone know which punter he has graded highest in round 5 but he’s letting something this big leak? C’mon man. Everything you hear this close to the draft is BS, it’s SmokeScreenSZN. https://t.co/w8DmrdMJt4
— Draft Day Andrew (@Patriots_Andrew) April 25, 2023
If this isn’t a smokescreen, and the Pats really are interested in Levis, they likely will have to trade up to get him.
It would also signal their willingness to move on from Mac Jones, who they took in the first round two years ago.