Carrington Valentine declares Will Levis top quarterback in 2023 draft

Will Levis has been one of the most polarizing names in the 2023 NFL Draft class this season. Widely regarded as a top-10 draft choice despite his up-and-down senior season at Kentucky, his former teammate Carrington Valentine came to his QB’s aid Thursday morning at the NFL Combine.

“I feel like Will [Levis] is the best quarterback in this draft class. That’s coming from someone who’s on the other side of him. I know what it looks like and go against him every day and I wholeheartedly stand by that one,” Valentine said. “I don’t think it’s a debate, honestly. But you know, Will’s a humble guy and I know he doesn’t let stuff get to him like that.”

Levis’ senior season was riddled with injuries and didn’t get to wow fans like he did in 2021 thanks to a poor offensive scheme under former OC Rich Scangarello — who Mark Stoops has since fired after one season — and even worse protection from his offensive line all season long.

He ended the season with just 2,406 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Kentucky finished 7-6 after starting out 4-0 where they climbed as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll. You tell me when those injuries started.

“[Levis] will be a successful NFL player because the way he approaches the game is very professional. Everyone talks about the arm talent, but nobody talks about his preparation for the game,” Valentine continued. “I see him around the [Kentucky] facility all the time, so I just feel like him being in there, day in and day out, a good team leader, he’ll be a good one.”

Levis stayed with the team throughout their Music City Bowl preparation despite opting out of the game alongside some of Kentucky’s other top pro prospects. Kentucky would lose its first bowl game in five seasons to Iowa without its top stars, but having him there is a testament to his leadership skills — a quality NFL scouts and GM’s require in a franchise quarterback.