Report: Patriots have 'real interest' in QB Will Levis
The New England Patriots have "real interest" in quarterback Will Levis ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, according to NFL reporter Mike Giardi.
that dovetails with something I was told by a couple scouts that were around the Kentucky program this year. It's not that he's an unlikable kid, but players didn't gravitate to him either. Can that leadership quality/it factor be learned? The physical talents are undeniable.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 25, 2023
New England raised eyebrows last week by hosting Levis - a projected top-10 pick who's currently the favorite to be the No. 2 selection - on a top-30 visit, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Patriots own the No. 14 choice in this year's draft and have needs on both sides of the ball.
The franchise drafted quarterback Mac Jones at No. 15 in 2021, but head coach and general manager Bill Belichick has reportedly been shopping Jones this offseason.
Jones had a strong rookie season and helped New England reach the playoffs that year but wasn't able to replicate that success in 2022. The 24-year-old finished last season with 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 14 games, missing three games due to an ankle injury. The Patriots went 8-9 and didn't make the postseason for the second time in the last three years.
Levis is part of a talented 2023 quarterback class that also features Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. The Carolina Panthers are expected to select Young first overall on Thursday.
The Patriots selected offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. in theScore's latest mock draft, while Levis landed with the Houston Texans at No. 12.