What were some major observations the Carolina Panthers can take from former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis' pro-day showcase?
After the Carolina Panthers took in the pro days of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young earlier this week, it was Will Levis' turn to showcase what he had to offer on Friday. The prospect has been seemingly forgotten since the big trade up to No. 1 overall, but no options have been dismissed by those in power, even if it does appear unrealistic.
Levis is a polarizing prospect. On one hand, he has the athletic measurables that all teams look for in their franchise quarterback, but a significant down year at Kentucky in 2022 means taking him high represents a gamble of epic proportions.
While the general consensus is Young or Stroud becoming Carolina's guy, a large presence descended to witness Levis in the flesh. Something that keeps everyone guessing from an official standpoint if nothing else.
With this in mind, here are four major observations the Panthers can take from Levis' pro day ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers witnessed the prototypical QB
If you were building a quarterback in the lab, it would probably look like Will Levis. His size, physique, and overall demeanor are all normally associated with top-level signal-callers throughout NFL history, which is why there is such an allure where the Kentucky product is concerned.
The problem is, football isn't played in a lab. Levis has a lot of hard work ahead and whatever team drafts him - whether it's the Carolina Panthers or someone else - needs to have a long-term plan in place.
Carolina Panthers got another glimpse of Will Levis' arm strength
Another thing that makes Will Levis so appealing despite his lack of production last season centers on his arm strength. The quarterback has an absolute cannon for an arm, effortlessly getting the football downfield quickly and with the sort of velocity that makes every throw possible.
Again, that doesn't make an NFL quarterback. One could argue that processing, decision-making, and leading from the front are more important than how far any signal-caller can throw, but it's a solid foundation from which to build if nothing else.
Levis put his exceptional arm strength on full display at Kentucky's pro day. The release and raw power are nothing short of astonishing, which should ensure that the prospect ends up going in the top five given how desperate teams could become once the first two quarterbacks go off the board.
A big hoard of personnel from the Carolina Panthers looked suitably impressed by what they saw from Levis. There were some slight errors in terms of throwing touch, but his experience in an NFL-style offense should ensure a smooth transition to the next level wherever he lands.
Nobody is expecting Levis to start Week 1 - or at least they shouldn't. But the athletic attributes coupled with a bazooka for an arm leave many wondering how high his ceiling might be.
Carolina Panthers saw a solid session from Will Levis
Will Levis looked like a determined figure throughout his pro day. He's obviously hearing all the question marks like the rest of us and is keen to start silencing his doubters in pursuit of becoming a high-end draft selection.
General manager Scott Fitterer has been keen to state that the tape is the primary difference-maker in terms of evaluation. Levis is a little behind in that regard, although it's worth remembering how poor Kentucky's offensive line was last season within a highly-competitive SEC Conference.
How much weight a pro day holds in comparison to game day production is anyone's guess. The Carolina Panthers witnessed a solid session overall from Levis, whose accuracy over all three levels of the field was encouraging with a few notable highlights along the way.
There were plenty of leading NFL figures in attendance with the primary focus on Levis. He's done his chances of being picked in the top five no harm at all, but it's easy to look good in shorts when no pressure is arriving on any given throw.
That is the complex riddle teams must solve. Successful NFL organizations don't normally draft players on what they've done in college, but rather on what a certain prospect might become upon receiving elite-level coaching in the pros.
And that - above all else - is what makes Levis so intriguing.
Carolina Panthers shouldn't seriously consider Will Levis
Will Levis could be an outstanding pro one day. The upside is high, so if he lands in the right environment and is given time to improve his craft, then a productive NFL career won't be too far behind.
The Carolina Panthers are doing their due diligence as part of a thorough approach after securing the No. 1 overall selection. When push comes to shove, they shouldn't seriously consider the prospect of taking Levis atop the 2023 NFL Draft.
Carolina didn't make a surge into No. 1 for a project quarterback. That's what Levis represents until proven otherwise, so sacrificing draft capital and wide receiver D.J. Moore to not take C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young sends the wrong message.
This would be a great environment for Levis thanks to Carolina's elite-level coaching staff. However, picking the one-time Kentucky star is likely to completely evaporate the newfound optimism within the fanbase.
The Panthers cannot overcomplicate this. Stroud and Young represent potential franchise quarterbacks with the production to match and traits that truly set them apart from the rest.
Levis will find a decent fit - perhaps with the Indianapolis Colts or Las Vegas Raiders. But it would be nothing short of bemusing if he ended up in Carolina based on recent events.