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The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City and while some draft analysts are questioning if Will Levis will still be an early pick, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper is sticking with his prediction that Levis will be an early pick.
Kiper has been one of the strongest advocates for the Kentucky quarterback since the season ended and has not backed down after some others started dropping Levis in their mock draft.
Kiper released his latest mock draft this week and has Levis as the fourth quarterback being picked in the draft — but also has him as the fourth overall pick in the draft.
He has quarterbacks Bryce Young (Alabama) and C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) going 1-2 in the draft with Tennessee trading up to take Anthony Richardson (Florida) with the third pick. Next he has Levis going No. 4 to Indianapolis and become UK’s first top five pick since defensive lineman Dewayne Robertson in 2003.
“I’m sticking with Levis to Indianapolis here. General manager Chris Ballard could get lucky with my second-ranked quarterback still on the board,” Kiper posted on ESPN.com.
“Why do I like Levis over Stroud and Richardson? Because of his ability both in and out of the pocket. In 2021, when Levis was really on, he made ‘wow’ throws to every part of the field and also ran for nine scores.
“Last season, while dealing with injuries and after losing a lot of talent around him, he forced too many throws and was inconsistent. I think Levis’ floor is high, and he’ll be able to start immediately for the Colts.”
Start immediately for the Colts? That’s strong and sounds similar to how Kentucky coach Mark Stoops feels about his quarterback.
Indianapolis sent Ballard, head coach Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, quarterbacks coach Cam Turner, assistant general manager Ed Dodds and college director Matt Terpening all to Lexington for a private workout with Levis — a sign the Colts certainly are strongly considering taking him in the draft.
Quarterbacks have never been picked with the first four picks in the draft. Three times — 1971, 1999 and 2021 — quarterbacks were the top three picks. But Kiper is predicting it will be the top four this year and Levis will be the fourth overall pick a week from today.
The Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans have the first two picks and Levis has met with both teams along with Las Vegas (7), Atlanta (8) and Tennessee. The Titans currently have the 11th pick that Kiper expects them to turn into the No. 3 pick via trade.
