NFL analyst compares Will Levis to Sam Darnold, Jay Cutler combo

As the NFL draft draws nearer, teams must fine-tune their draft boards in preparation for the annual event. For a handful of NFL teams, the quarterback position is a top priority heading into the 2023 NFL draft. One of the top prospects at that position is none other than the Kentucky Wildcats Will Levis.

Levis has a tough physical style of play with a rocket for an arm, which makes him one of the more highly sought-after players in the upcoming draft. But how would his game transition to the next level? More precisely, who does Levis’ game most resemble in the NFL? According to NFL.com analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, the former Wildcat is a blend of two former first-round picks in Jay Cutler and Sam Darnold.

“Levis has the pocket-passing skills of Darnold and the arm strength of both Darnold and especially Cutler when the latter was coming out of Vanderbilt,” said Frelund. “Like Cutler, Levis was able to make power throws despite having a less-than-stellar supporting cast at the collegiate level (they also have similar centers of balance). The difficulty is forecasting what Levis’ arm strength will translate to in the NFL, where he’ll be working with an improved offensive line and better skill position players. His strong performance in play-action in 2021 (1,255 passing yards, 14:5 TD-to-INT ratio, 117.3 passer rating, per PFF) is notable, given that, again, leaning on play-action can help a QB transition to the pros. But it is not encouraging that Levis appeared to stall in 2022, even taking into account the time he lost to injury last season; his PFF passing grade slipped by almost 20 points, from 82.3 in ’21 to 65.8.”

Levis is coming off a year riddled with injuries, only playing in 11 games for Kentucky. There was a slight dip in his completion percentage; mildly unnoticeable, from 66 to 65.4 percent. He also threw five fewer touchdown passes, dropping from 24 to 19 but also saw a slight dip in interceptions from 13 to 10.

Best fist for Levis

Not every destination is an ideal fit for young quarterbacks entering the league. Some will fare better with different coaches running different systems or within different cultures found within various locker rooms. For Levis, Frelund sees his ideal fit as a team absent of a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams.

“My models would love for all QBs to get a chance to learn for a season in the pros before making their first start, but Levis’ step back in 2022 suggests that it would be even more beneficial for him than the typical prospect. The Rams’ earliest pick is currently in Round 2 (No. 36 overall), but if they can acquire Levis, he would find a strong role model in incumbent veteran Matthew Stafford, who possesses a big arm and exceptional decision-making ability.”