Will Levis + Vikings Hype Train Gaining Steam

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Photo: Sporting News

The Minnesota Vikings will be looking for their quarterback of the future in April’s NFL Draft, that much has become clear. Vikings brass met with a bunch of QBs at the scouting combine and their refusal to extend Kirk Cousins tells us as much as we need to know.

Minnesota Vikings + Will Levis (Kentucky)

So, who will be Kevin O’Connell’s guy? Well, Kentucky quarterback, Will Levis, would be a logical option. He’s been on the outside looking in, when experts break down the top three or four QBs available, meaning he’s one of the more likely QBs to fall outside the top-10.

Not only that, but Kevin O’Connell reportedly likes Levis a lot, which may or may not be be influenced by his former colleague, now Kentucky offensive coordinator, Liam Coen.

Levis may not go in the top-10, when names start being called at the podium in Kansas City, but he’s going to go somewhere in the first round. Will the Vikings, who have immediate needs to fill all over the roster, really spend their most important pick on a QB who won’t see the field for at least one season?

Experts/Insiders Mock Levis to Vikings

For many draft experts and insiders in recent weeks, the answer is “yes”. Now that free agency has been alive for over a week, mock drafts across the internet are being updated. And, holy moly, mockers suddenly love Will Levis to the Vikings.

NFL.com draft expert, Charles Davis, has Levis falling all the way into Kevin O’Connell’s lap at #23 overall. While any 1st round pick is expensive, this would be the ideal scenario if KOC really likes Levis that much.

Other draft experts and NFL insiders do not see the 23-year-old QB falling all the way down to #23. Most believe the Vikings will have to trade up, if they really are that obsessed with drafting Levis.

That could be EXTREMELY expensive, especially if they have to break into the top-10 to make it happen. Seems unlikely, right? Even impossible?

Apparently not, according to Minnesota Vikings insider, Alec Lewis (The Athletic), who has Kwesi trading his 1st and 3rd round picks in 2023 and their 1st round pick in 2024 in order to jump all the way up to #7, to nab their QB of the future.

will levis minnesota vikings nfl mock draft
Alec Lewis – The Athletic (Beat Writer Mock Draft)

Will Levis started his college career at Penn State, before transferring to Kentucky after his Sophomore season. He went on to throw for 5,232 yards during his two-year career in royal blue. That’s 6th most in school history. His 43 touchdowns ranks 4th and his 149.9 CFB QB Rating is the best the Wildcats have ever seen out of a starting quarterback.

He is a classic pocket passer whose mobility is seen as limited. Still, he’s a big enough threat with his feet that defenses will have to account for his scrambling abilities. Mix that in with his high-level arm traits and you can see why O’Connell likes him.

Levis epitomizes the phrase “bet on traits.” He has the requisite size/build, mobility, and arm talent NFL evaluators long for. His arm strength is outstanding and well on par among some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He has the ability to fit passes into tight windows and generate velocity/RPMs with minimal effort. Levis has the arm talent to make all of the NFL-caliber throws. His throwing mechanics are clean, sharp, and aesthetically pleasing. Levis throws with a compact motion and a snappy release. 

TheDraftNetwork.com

There is still plenty of time left between now and the draft. Kentucky’s pro day will be held on Friday (March 24) so he’s sure to move up or down draft boards depending on how he performs. One thing is for sure, the Vikings will be there watching.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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