Quarterbacks are all the time beneath the largest microscope in soccer, that’s a given. And there’s not a extra pointless magnifying glass on sign callers than the NFL Mix. Going via all of the scouting drills seems essential for about 5 minutes. What number of analysts quoted Tom Brady or Peyton Manning’s time within the 40-yard sprint? Or how far they soared within the broad bounce? Each most likely did terribly in each disciplines and so they’ve gained 9 whole Tremendous Bowls. And the hype prepare this yr for quarterbacks gained’t be extra based mostly on unimportant components than for former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.

Some imagine the mayonnaise-in-coffee-loving Levis would be the first quarterback taken in April’s draft, and a few imagine he’s not a assured first-round choice with the rising inventory of former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, alongside the perceived prime duo of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Younger. Levis appears phenomenal on paper forward of the draft and if possessing all of the bodily instruments have been the one issues essential to be a quarterback, he’s a slam-dunk decide. However that’s the place the curious case of Mr. Mayo comes into play.

Inconsistent in school

Levis was by no means constantly nice at Kentucky. He seemed spectacular at instances all through his keep in Lexington, however abnormal SEC defenses picked him aside too typically for Miracle Whip to realize any nationwide recognition. He’s bought the arm energy for certain, he’s cell and clearly had a deep understanding of each playbook assigned with the Wildcats’ rotation of offensive coordinators in 2021 and 2022. Blame the change in scheme all you need, however what yr within the NFL will look the identical because the final? Patrick Mahomes simply gained a Tremendous Bowl in his first season with out Tyreek Hill and the Chiefs didn’t usher in a very appropriate substitute.

Levis has to indicate his consistency throughout Saturday’s on-field exercise. He’s throwing towards the air. Each throw will rely for one thing and the way might he be anticipated to disarm an NFL protection if he can’t do it in Indianapolis? Levis will after all have one other probability at Kentucky’s professional day, the place he’ll be extra comfy and obtain way more 1-on-1 consideration. The difficulty with that situation is the lasting legacy of a professional day. You already know who had the very best professional day of all time? JaMarcus Russell, and Lamar Jackson’s professional day at Louisville was panned for him not being prepared for the NFL. Levis has the potential to dominate at Lucas Oil Stadium and solidify himself as a top-10 choice after this weekend. Something much less will crater his draft inventory.

Different prime QBs have crimson flags of their very own

In 2021, with Liam Coen as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, he thrived with 24 landing passes. Coen is a disciple of Rams’ coach Sean McVay and returned to Los Angeles in 2022. Underneath Wealthy Scangarello, who was fired in Lexington after one season, that whole dropped to 19. And throwing two extra touchdowns in a season than there are NFL regular-season video games isn’t the largest confidence enhance for a group drafting him. Nevertheless, what quarterback on this yr’s draft doesn’t have a professional crimson flag? Younger’s weight and total measurement shall be mentioned and what quantity seems on the NFL’s scales will decide how his inventory rises or falls within the coming weeks. Stroud is anticipated to be one of many slowest quarterbacks on the 40-yard sprint and Richardson didn’t have sufficient success at Florida to offer NFL higher-ups sufficient confidence handy him the reins to their franchise. Each different draft-eligible quarterback didn’t present sufficient in school to be extremely regarded.

In comparison with Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky

Levis has been in comparison with each Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky. Each have been drafted within the prime 10, one which flamed out and one that appears to be a shoo-in for the Corridor of Fame. That’s the danger that comes with drafting a quarterback that prime on the whole. The Payments and Bengals have skyrocketed in legitimacy within the NFL by making these picks on gamers which have paid off. The Commanders are hoping Sam Howell bucks the pattern of ready three a long time for the franchise’s subsequent star quarterback. Levis reeks of boom-or-bust potential. And if he stinks in Indianapolis, it’s clear which facet of that coin he’ll fall on.