3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should avoid drafting Will Levis in 2023
By Dean Jones
Will Levis is among college football’s most polarizing quarterback prospects and the Carolina Panthers would be wise to turn their attention elsewhere.
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers will run the rule heavily over the next batch of college quarterbacks set to take their chances at the next level in 2023. A series of failed personnel moves under center caused Matt Rhule’s eventual demise, so those in power and potentially a new head coach could hit the reset button and build around a rookie contract in the hope of long-term sustainability.
The Panthers could play themselves out of the top two signal-callers if Steve Wilks continues building positive momentum. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud look head and shoulders above anything else coming out next year, which could leave Carolina banking on a high upside prospect further down the pecking order if someone takes their fancy.
Will Levis is among those said to be in the second tier. The Kentucky prospect is gaining momentum thanks to his supreme athletic traits, with respected analysts such as Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN even placing him higher than Young in his recent rankings.
Despite this, here are three reasons Carolina should avoid drafting Levis in 2023.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers cannot fall for the hype
Imagine the Carolina Panthers passing on a daring trade-up for Justin Herbert and swerving Justin Fields only to end up with Will Levis. The stereotypical feast or famine prospect that could be years away from having enough to become a productive NFL starter.
The hype surrounding Levis is unwarranted based on his performances this season. His latest show led to Vanderbilt breaking their long-standing losing streak in the SEC, which should not be ignored by the Panthers or any other quarterback-needy team next spring.
Plenty of prospects like Levis come into the league with high hopes and fail to deliver. Considering the urgency for Carolina to hit the bullseye under center, they should proceed with extreme caution.