Will Levis showing "command of the huddle" during Titans camp

The NFL preseason is right around the corner — two days away, in fact. This Thursday marks the beginning of the 2023 season as three weeks of exhibitions build us up to the start of the regular season in early September. These next few weeks could be critical in Tennessee Titans’ rookie Will Levis making his case for the role of backup quarterback — and potentially as the full-time starter down the road.

As of Monday, Levis was still listed on the Titans’ website as the third QB on the depth chart behind presumed starter and longtime veteran Ryan Tannehill, along with second-year talent Malik Willis. But Levis has been stepping up his game during training camp as of late, highlighted by a five-touchdown performance last week. His head coach, 2021 NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel, has spotted noticeable progression from the former Kentucky Wildcat — in particular, when it comes to stepping up as a respected voice amongst his teammates.

“I’ve seen him make some really good throws. I’ve seen command of the huddle,” Vrabel told reporters on Tuesday. “I think that—just explaining to these quarterbacks that the other 10 players are responsible for your performance. So, you need to make sure that they know where to line up. Sometimes guys make a mistake, a lot of formation. But the quarterback’s job is to make sure that everybody is helping them do their job. It starts with lining up.”

Vrabel on how Will Levis has improved in camp for the Titans: pic.twitter.com/xQdz2Gccyn

— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) August 8, 2023

Being a vocal leader is a key trait in any good quarterback. Levis exemplified that well during his two seasons in Lexington, but doing so at the NFL level is an entirely different ballgame — especially as the new guy. While Vrabel added that there are still things Levis needs to improve upon (like there are with all rookie quarterbacks), he was quick to praise Levis’ willingness to make appropriate adjustments.

“The operation at the line of scrimmage, I think is better. I’ve seen him move receivers into splits that they’re supposed to be in. Throwing with different speeds and layering the football or being able to use his arm talent when he has to and put it in there in tight windows,” Vrabel added. “But again, there’s some other things that have to improve. As he progresses on and seeing out in front of crossers and things like that.”

With Levis still behind on the depth chart, Vrabel is going to need to see even more progression from Levis moving forward. The good news is he’s coming along right in time for live-action football.

The Titans’ first preseason game is set for Saturday, August 12 against the Chicago Bears. They’ll then take on the Minnesota Vikings the following Saturday before closing out the preseason on Friday, August 25 against the New England Patriots. There is still plenty of time left for Levis to move up the depth chart ahead of the season opener. He’ll have his first chance at doing so in just a few days.