What Are Will Levis’ 4 Best NFL Team Fits?

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis will perform at his Pro Day on Friday. It’s a big day for Levis, who remains in contention for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis spent Thursday evening having dinner with a large Panthers contingency that included owners David and Nicole Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich, according to reports.

The Panthers recently traveled to the Pro Days of fellow quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. Anthony Richardson will have his Pro Day next week. Levis can’t afford to lose momentum. Levis threw the football excellently at the NFL Scouting Combine and should enjoy a repeat performance on Friday. 

All 32 teams will be represented in Lexington. Levis possesses an opportunity to solidify his draft status. We’ve identified the four best potential fits for Will Levis.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The owners of the No. 7 overall selection, the Raiders should still be searching for their long-term quarterback of the future despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency. Garoppolo’s three-year contract with Las Vegas will pay him a bridge-type annual salary of $24.2 million. The Raiders could also get out of Garoppolo’s contract before its completion.

Garoppolo possesses a high-level understanding of head coach Josh McDaniels’ complicated offensive system after spending time together with him in New England. Levis, who didn’t enjoy a particularly fruitful campaign in 2022, could benefit from sitting and learning behind Garoppolo.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The aforementioned Panthers haven’t made a decision regarding the No. 1 overall selection. Carolina acquired the pick from the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster deal in order to hand-select their preferred quarterback. You’d be foolish to assume Levis isn’t in contention.

I’ve spoken with several executives and scouts who believe the Panthers love Levis’ upside. Levis possesses the strongest arm in the class. Levis’ natural abilities will be on display at Kentucky’s Pro Day. A strong performance could help Levis gain momentum toward No. 1 overall pick status.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Like Las Vegas, the Seahawks secured their immediate future at quarterback by re-signing Geno Smith to a three-year contract extension worth $75 million. Smith performed admirably throughout 2022, but he’s entering his age-33 season. Will Smith be Seattle’s starter in 2024 or 2025? Seahawks general manager John Schneider should consider all options.

The Seahawks are equipped with two first-round selections (No. 5 and 20 overall) as a result of the Russell Wilson trade. Seattle could draft a quarterback like Levis with the fifth overall pick while knowing they have the benefit of drafting another player that will immediately help them at 20. Levis could benefit from an experience as Smith’s backup.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts possess the No. 4 overall selection. For a team that’s clearly in the market for a rookie quarterback, general manager Chris Ballard won’t receive an opportunity to draft the first or second quarterback off the board. It doesn’t necessarily mean Indianapolis won’t land their preferred quarterback. Teams have differing opinions on signal-callers all the time.

The Colts could ensure they select the third quarterback by completing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for their No. 3 overall pick, preventing another competing franchise from leapfrogging them. The Colts could be choosing between Levis and Richardson. New Colts head coach Shane Steichen is a quarterback whisperer. Steichen is the type of offensive mind that could maximize Levis’ raw potential.