2023 NFL Draft: Mock draft for first 10 picks of first round
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player. 87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. Will Levis. 9
After Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, there is a big gap presently between these two and the next quarterback. However, Will Levis out of Kentucky has incredible potential that is going to have some team willing to take the chance in the top half of the first round.
I believe that team will be the Carolina Panthers who have really struggled to find a quarterback over the past few seasons. Over the past three seasons, the Panthers have had eight different starting quarterbacks, including two trades that brought them Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.
Will Levis began at Penn State and after two seasons there transferred to Kentucky and unlike Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, he didn’t have these incredible stat lines. He finished with just over 5,200 passing yards, 43 passing touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in his two seasons with Kentucky.
However, the physical skills Levis possess will stand out, particularly during testing at the Scouting Combine and Pro Days. He is 6’3″ and 222 pounds and has great arm strength but also some mobility that will challenge defenses and keep them guessing.
After years of struggling to find an answer at the position, the Carolina Panthers will buy into the potential and should select Will Levis with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.