Dan Orlovsky discusses top QB prospect Will Levis

Will Levis. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Orlovsky on top QB prospect: ‘The tape doesn’t match the talent’

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 4/24/23

University of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is perhaps the most debated signal-caller in the 2023 NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, Levis has the prototypical size of a starting NFL quarterback. But as ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky explains, Levis is a tough projection to the NFL because despite possessing nearly all of the physical traits scouts look for in franchise QBs, his game tape left much to be desired.

“Here’s the problem with the film of Will Levis from Kentucky: the tape doesn’t match the talent,” Orlovsky said. “Unlike C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, Levis wasn’t surrounded by guys who are going to be playing on Sundays. Levis drives the ball in tight windows, which came in handy at Kentucky because his receivers struggled to get open. … Will Levis is tough to evaluate because he didn’t much help from his supporting cast. But his physical talent is franchise-altering and too good to pass up.”

While many scouts and draft experts disagree on exactly where Levis will be drafted, most can agree on one thing: he has the strongest arm of any QB in the draft.

Will Levis makes throwing a ball over fifty yards look EASY

Levis is currently the favorite to be the second overall pick at the Draft. pic.twitter.com/ihsMSg8JLv
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 24, 2023

His arm talent, coupled with his size and mobility have drawn comparisons to another quarterback, who was a tough projection but still went in the top 10 — Josh Allen. As Orlovsky points out, the two quarterbacks play a similar style of game.

“You know who else was a tough competitor with a big arm that didn’t have a lot of help in college? Josh Allen,” Orlovsky added. “And when watching the tape, the shuffle and then the ability to unleash an absolute laser, it looks like Josh Allen. And the similarities don’t stop there. When Allen was at Wyoming, he started the exact same number of games as Levis (26) and threw the same number of touchdowns (44). Their total QBR was even identical (66).”

"My comp for him is Josh Allen... The Josh Allen that was coming out of Wyoming. Not a very good final year, played against some real competition... but elite arm strength, size, mobility..."@RyanDLeaf builds the case for Will Levis being a top draft pick pic.twitter.com/bvG3ZfnzDQ
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 3, 2023