To say the Tennessee Titans trading up to select Kentucky quarterback Will Levis was a polarizing move would be an understatement.
In the months leading up to the draft, I’d say at least the majority (and probably the vast majority) of the Titan’s fan base wanted no part of the quarterback for various reasons.
So, the trade up and ensuing pick of Levis created quite the stir among fans when it happened on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL draft, with some even calling for the firing of GM Ran Carthon.
Making it more frustrating, the Titans passed on their biggest need at wide receiver with the Levis selection, and with the even more baffling third-round pick of running back Tyjae Spears.
Our Shaun Calderon was tasked with grading the pick, and while he didn’t give it a failing grade, Calderon did mark it with a lackluster “C-“. Here’s some of his thoughts on the move.
This move undoubtedly has a ton of upside if Levis can get to anything close to his ceiling, but unfortunately, it’s far from a certainty.
However, one thing is for sure: to be this aggressive to move up, the Titans clearly believe Levis has franchise-quarterback potential.
For that, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, which keeps them away from an F, and walking away with a relatively fair deal keeps them out of a D, but I can’t go much higher than that.
Now, a look at where experts from different media outlets stand on the selection of Levis.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: A-
Trade up for QB, just at the start of Round 2. Cheaper than doing it in Round 1. Levis needs to improve decision-making, footwork, and accuracy but has strong arm and will be a running threat at the next level. Positional value boosts this grade.
Christian D'Andrea, For The Win: B+
The Titans just did this, no? Scooping a potential first-round quarterback on Day 2 led Tennessee to Malik Willis last year. Now, they add Levis to the fold despite some real Drew Lock vibes to his draft slide. That said, he managed to improve his efficiency in 2022 despite losing several important pieces and dealing with injury throughout the back half of the season. He’s a low-cost escape plan if the Titans have no choice but to rebuild.
Pro Football Focus: Elite
Will Levis’ slide ends early on Day 2, with the Titans trading up to Pick 33 to grab the signal-caller. Levis has supreme arm talent and an ultra-quick release, but the big knock on him is how little he put that into action. He lacked high-quality throws at Kentucky last season, which played a part in his middling 65.8 passing grade on the year. The good news is that Levis lands in an offense that will help open up some downfield opportunities.
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: B-
Many thought the Titans would take Levis at No. 11, but they waited and snagged a potential franchise quarterback 22 spots later. The big question with Levis is will he develop raw traits shown at Kentucky, or has he already reached his ceiling? For Tennessee, it’s a worthwhile gamble, but there’s a reason Levis slipped to the second round.
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football: B
The Titans caught a falling quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so they’ll be hoping that this signal-caller pick is more successful. It’ll be difficult for Levis to be worse than Willis, but he has an extremely low floor. Levis has major flaws in his game and couldn’t beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State. Some believe Levis fell, but I had him at this very pick in my mock draft, so I don’t think this is a value selection. It’s fine though.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: A-
Trade up for QB, just at the start of Round 2. Cheaper than doing it in Round 1. Levis needs to improve decision-making, footwork, and accuracy but has strong arm and will be a running threat at the next level. Positional value boosts this grade.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: A+
Levis was in the mix for the Titans in the first round, but they were still able to grab him at the top of the second. Levis has the upside to be a franchise QB, which is something the Titans have sought for a couple of years now. He’s a more legitimate prospect than Malik Willis. This gives the Titans more flexibility to pull off a trade with Ryan Tannehill as well.
Chet Gresham, DraftKings: A
Levis fell into the start of the second round, which is about where he should go. The Titans need someone to replace Ryan Tannehill and Levis could be that guy. If he’s not, they at least didn’t waste a first round pick on him. Tennessee is a good offense for him, as it fits his style of play.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
Will Levis is different from the other top quarterbacks in this year’s class. He’s older (will turn 24 before the start of the 2023 campaign). He projects a certain sense of bravado. If not for Florida’s Anthony Richardson, Levis would be considered the most physically imposing QB in the group.
The 6’4″, 229-pound signal-caller is big, sturdy and has an outstanding arm. When asked why he chose to throw at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, the two-year standout at Kentucky told reporters: “Because I got a cannon. I’m gonna show it off.”
Levis is closer to a more traditional option, though he’s a solid athlete. His game is predicated on standing tall in the pocket, staring down pressure and delivering ropes.
His drop-off in play from 2021 to ’22 is a point of contention. Levis’ completion percentage, passing yardage and passing touchdowns all decreased.
As part of the assessment, evaluators must consider the circumstances at Kentucky. Levis lost his offensive coordinator, Liam Cohen, who landed with the Los Angeles Rams. His two best offensive linemen were drafted. His top three wide receivers left. Furthermore, the Wildcats’ main back, Chris Rodriguez Jr., dealt with injuries last season.
While Levis must be disappointed with falling out of the first round, he landed with an organization that’s a perfect fit.
The Tennessee Titans didn’t waste much time Friday to trade up for Levis’ services, and they did the right thing. Ryan Tannehill turns 35 later this year and is in the last year of his contract. Plus, the Titans rely heavily on a play-action passing attack that asks their quarterback to drive the ball down the field. Levis is the ideal addition–whether it came in the first or second round.
Levis immediately surpasses Malik Willis as the future franchise quarterback.
