Is Will Levis what his stats say he is? Or is he his potential?
That's the question NFL teams will have to grapple with at the NFL Draft this year, as his name continues to appear in conversations alongside the likes of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson.
NFL pundits have become enamored with Levis as a prospect for a myriad of reasons, not least of which is his built. The 6-foot-3-inch quarterback is just over 231 pounds, and his visage imparts shades of the Bills' Josh Allen. While Allen may not be the ceiling for Levis, the idea is undoubtedly enticing for NFL GMs not picking in the top two looking for their QB of the future.
Levis has been mocked everywhere from the top five to late in the first round, with those mocking him early citing his stature and arm strength and those dropping him claiming his accuracy issues are going to be a big problem in his NFL career.
Three of the teams in the top four could use a new quarterback, with the Cardinals hoping they can shed the albatross title for Kyler Murray's contract. However, if Levis falls below No. 4, here are four teams who could look to Levis as their long-term solution.
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Will Levis NFL Draft landing spots
6. Detroit Lions
You don't have to look far past the Colts to see one potential spot for Levis. The Lions are in the rare spot of picking just outside of the top five while also having finished just half a game out of the playoffs last year. They're hoping to not be picking in this spot against any time soon, but that means fewer opportunities at premium picks. If they aren't sold on Jared Goff long-term, there's a chance they take a swing at Levis.
Likeliness: Unlikely. The Lions have other spots to address on the roster, and Goff was perfectly serviceable for them last year. Just because they are picking in a premium spot doesn't mean they should burn that pick on a player they aren't sold on.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders suddenly have an opening at the QB slot, as Derek Carr has gone to the Saints. Indeed, Jimmy Garoppolo has come to the desert, but the injury risk there is present and the Raiders may be looking to keep their options open moving forward. If for whatever reason there are struggles early from Garoppolo, Josh McDaniels may need a solid Plan B as the Raiders try to become legitimate AFC contenders.
Likeliness: Somewhat likely. The Raiders are in a division with two of the best homegrown QBs in the conference in Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes. Although Garoppolo has shown to be a very serviceable QB when healthy, they might be pulled to try to replicate the formula.
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8. Atlanta Falcons
Yes, the Falcons drafted Desmond Ridder last year. Yes, they signed Taylor Heinicke in the offseason. But if Arthur Smith becomes completely enamored with Levis, nothing is stopping the Falcons from shooting their shot. Levis obviously has a much bigger arm than both. He's closer to Ryan Tannehill in build, someone who Smith found a lot of success with in Tennessee. So what if this is a match made in heaven?
Likeliness: Somewhat likely. If Levis is there at eight, he might make sense for the Falcons. He visited with them in mid-April. However, this would be a big jump for a team that needs help up and down the board. This pick might be better spent on a surer thing.
11. Tennessee Titans
Similar to the Falcons, the Titans just drafted Malik Willis, but the place they drafted him showed they could be moved off him for the perfect prospect. If the Titans find that to be Levis, then he could go just outside of the top 10. The Titans would undoubtedly love to get Tannehill back fully healthy, and Levis brings in similar tools, but Levis wouldn't have to immediately start in Tennessee and the could provide continuity for the Titans.
Likeliness: This is arguably the most likely of these scenarios. It's completely possible Levis drops down to this point in the draft, and if he does, the Titans could be a match made in heaven for him. Even with the Willis draft last season, Levis feels like a more polished product. That could make sense for a Titans team finding its way.
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady is retired. The depth chart now consists of Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield. Yeah, the Buccaneers need some help at QB. What if Levis is the player to address it? He would be coming into a situation with better weapons than he ever had in Kentucky, which means it would be solely on him to sink or swim. There is something appealing to that, from a front office standpoint, especially right around the 20s.
Likeliness: It's only unlikely insofar as it would be surprising if Levis were available at 19. There's a lot buzz around him, so this drop would be dramatic. However, if he's there at 19, it's entirely possible if not probable the Bucs don't let him fall to the 20s.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is a free agent after this season, so it's entirely possible the Vikings move on from him. They've kicked the can on finding a quarterback for a while now, but now is the perfect time to do so. Getting Levis now would give the Vikings a year to figure out what they have and then try to move into the future as Cousins plays out his prove-it deal.
Likeliness: This would possibly be the best situation for Levis, who needs to be on a team where he won't be asked to dominate right away. Giving Levis time to allow his cerebral game to catch up to his arm would be great. But again, 23 is awful far down the order, making this scenario unlikely.
