Raiders select extremely polarizing prospect in latest NFL mock draft
The Las Vegas Raiders have a plethora of ways to attack the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. A new quarterback could be on the horizon, but a trade up may need to occur in order for them to get their guy in Las Vegas. In the latest A to Z Sports Film Room […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have a plethora of ways to attack the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
A new quarterback could be on the horizon, but a trade up may need to occur in order for them to get their guy in Las Vegas.
In the latest A to Z Sports Film Room mock draft, the Raiders traded up to number five to draft Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
The Raiders made a deal with the Seattle Seahawks in this scenario to secure their QB.
Levis is one of the most polarizing prospects in this draft class.
At his peak, this physical traits looked to be really impressive in the SEC. On the other hand, Levis was extremely inconsistent at Kentucky. There are conflicting opinions on Levis across the board.
From The Draft Network, Damian Parson broke down his skillset.
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.
At times, Levis trusts his arm too much and will test coverage windows with multiple defenders. This results in turnovers or near-turnover throws. Levis does not consistently move defenders with his eyes by looking them off. Accuracy and ball placement are not high in the strength column for Levis.
His lower-body mechanics are routinely inconsistent. He starts his drops with a long slide, bounce, and regather that prohibits Levis from being set to throw quickly or consistently. He needs to settle his feet to take full advantage of quick-hitting concepts on a consistent basis.
Levis has incredible arm strength but he lacks the touch or ball speed on downfield passes. He struggles with the right amount of air under his deep passes. Levis tends to lock onto his initial passing option while holding onto the football without pivoting to the next read in the progression.
Levis must cut down on turnovers and protect the football better to ever reach his potential ceiling. Throughout his collegiate career, he has 25 interceptions and 17 fumbles. This must be cleaned up.
Overall, his physical ability is exciting. He plays with an aggression currently that won't transition to the NFL. If he tries some of the dangerous throws that he was in his final year at UK, he won't be a starter at the next level.
The progression-side of Levis' game must improve, but Josh McDaniels may believe that he can help to develop Levis into a solid NFL starter for the Raiders.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
