AFC East reporter dismisses rumors linking Patriots with Kentucky QB Will Levis

Perhaps the New England Patriots weren't as enamored with Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis as some thought. 

AFC East reporter Henry McKenna of Fox Sports indicated Thursday that the organization never seriously considered Levis as a potential full-time replacement for presumed starter Mac Jones. 

"A Patriots source confirmed the multiple reports that Kentucky quarterback Will Levis met with the team for a top-30 visit," McKenna explained, before adding the kicker. "While Levis had a strong interview in New England, he didn't wow team executives to a level where they are prepared to select him at No. 14 overall and trigger a massive shift in their quarterback plans." 

McKenna added that New England could possibly "target" Tennessee Volunteers signal-caller Hendon Hooker on the draft's second day if Hooker slides out of the first round. 

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported earlier in the week that there were those in the Patriots front office who "really like" Levis. Breer also suggested that head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien are not sure Jones is the team's long-term answer at the position. 

League insider Mike Giardi then raised eyebrows when he tweeted that there was "real interest" among "important folks" within the organization who were keen on getting Levis if he fell to overall pick No. 14 on Thursday night. Spending that asset on Levis roughly two years after New England acquired Jones via a first-round selection could have resulted in Jones requesting a trade as soon as this weekend. 

"If the Patriots spent a day two pick on Hooker, they could give Jones more time to prove himself in 2023, given that Hooker is going to spend the bulk of the season recovering from his ACL injury," McKenna noted. "If Jones excels next season, the team will have every reason to keep Hooker on the bench to learn behind Jones." 

McKenna shared his takes the same day Giardi reported that Jones "has a ton of support in the (New England) locker room." One can't help but wonder if stories about Belichick "shopping" Jones leaked largely to light a fire under the 24-year-old ahead of springtime workouts.