Mel Kiper Jr. downplays Will Levis' struggles against Tennessee
Will Levis had the worst performance of his Kentucky career against Tennessee. Losing 44-6 to the Vols, Levis threw three interceptions and no touchdowns.
With a lackluster performance on a national stage, some are questioning whether or not Levis should be rated above collegiate superstars like Alabama‘s Bryce Young and Ohio State‘s CJ Stroud. NFL Draft insider Mel Kiper went to Levis’ side about why the Kentucky QB should still be classified with the elite quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
“You can’t worry about games in college – I’ve found that out over (the years),” Kiper said on ESPN’s KJM Thursday. “Daunte Culpepper against Auburn, Josh Allen against Iowa, Ben Roethlisberger against Iowa, Peyton Manning losing three games to Florida, Troy Aikman not beating Rodney Peete.
“College games are great, but it’s not about the NFL. It’s not going to define Will Levis. Will Levis against Mississippi State threw a pick-six to Emmanuel Forbes, came back the next drive to win the game. In this game, (Kentucky) was just out-classed, out-manned. That happens. Tennessee – they’re a hot team, they got the best of them. Will Levis has been beat up all year, but he’s in an NFL system, he has a big-time arm, he snaps it off and he’s mobile. I think at the end of the day, Will Levis could very well be the No. 1 pick overall.”
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With Kiper throwing game performances away, he’s focusing on Levis’ intangibles – his size, IQ and ability to command an offense, among other favorable traits – which are keeping him on track to being the top pick in 2023’s draft despite Kentucky’s up-and-down season.
Fans still expect Kentucky to be in a more flattering spot at this point in the season, especially with Levis at the helm. While he’s still been able to lead the Wildcats to a respectable 5-3 mark, they’re still a middle-of-the-pack SEC squad and are still fighting to earn a postseason berth, though can solidify a bowl berth with a win on the road against Missouri this weekend.