Peyton Manning. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Peyton Manning raves about one of the draft’s top QB prospects

Where Kentucky’s Will Levis will be selected in next week’s NFL Draft is one of the more hotly debated topics of the offseason.

While many scouts are divided on whether he’s a top-10 talent or a fringe first-round pick, Levis at least has a fan in NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, who had some high praise for the 23-year-old QB.

“I get it; I’m drinking the Kool-Aid,” Manning said in the yet-to-be-aired episode of the Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning-hosted show “On the Clock,” via On3. “I spent some time with this kid. I think he’s the real deal. I think this guy might have been genetically engineered to be an NFL quarterback. I can see what the scouts like from him: tough, durable, and makes tight throws in tight windows. Saw a couple of cool plays where he’s moving away from free rusher and throws his guys open.”

Levis is perhaps the most polarizing prospect in the 2023 draft class. He’s been projected to be drafted as high as third overall, and some scouts and draft experts believe he could fall out of the first round entirely due to poor mechanics, questionable decision making and turnover struggles.

The 6-foot-3, 222-pound signal caller threw for 5,232 yards, 43 touchdowns and 23 interceptions while rushing for another 11 scores over the last two years at Kentucky.

The Indianapolis Colts are the projected frontrunner to draft Levis No. 4 overall. Other teams needing a QB that could be possible destinations for Levis include the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7), the Atlanta Falcons (No. 8), the Tennessee Titans (No. 11) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19).

“On the Clock” with Will Levis debuts Monday night at 5:30 p.m. EST on ESPN2.

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