Colts: National media outlet makes a strong case for QB Will Levis
The Indianapolis Colts are favored to draft quarterback Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft. After a historic performance in the Scouting Combine, the former Florida Gator has become the consensus No. 3 in a class featuring Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. But don't rule out Kentucky QB Will Levis just yet. After all, Richardson […]
The Indianapolis Colts are favored to draft quarterback Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft. After a historic performance in the Scouting Combine, the former Florida Gator has become the consensus No. 3 in a class featuring Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
But don't rule out Kentucky QB Will Levis just yet.
After all, Richardson is clearly a player who isn't ready for NFL football just yet. Any team that puts his name on a card come Draft Day will be betting on his tools and upside; not his ability to play right away.
Could that NFL readiness lead to the Colts opting for Levis, assuming Young and Stroud are off the board?
Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner thinks so. In his most recent mock draft, he mocked the Kentucky quarterback to Indianapolis at No. 4. While he's not the first analyst to mock Levis to Shane Steichen's new offense, he makes a couple of very strong points behind the decision.
- Levis is undoubtedly more pro-ready.
- He's been coached by two former NFL offensive coordinators.
Here's Renner's full breakdown of his mock pick:
The Colts are in an interesting spot where they are getting at best the QB3 in the class, but at the same time they need to start that player immediately. So in a debate between two toolsy quarterbacks, Levis laps Anthony Richardson in terms of NFL readiness. That’s not surprising given who Levis was coached by (former Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen and former Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello) and his age (turns 24 in June).
Levis finished fourth in the country last year in passing yards under pressure from the pocket (707), which will serve him well behind the rebuilding Colts offensive line.
For years, the Colts have tried to find a quick, veteran fix for the quarterback position.
Perhaps the lessons learned through the failures of Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan keep the Indianapolis brass from making a choice based on instant readiness. By now, they've learned there's no such thing as an instant solution at the toughest position in sports.
But then again, this is a "what have you done for me lately?" league.
Although GM Chris Ballard will likely base his decision on who's the best quarterback in the long term, there's definitely a level of urgency brewing in the Colts' building.
