Will Levis' NFL Draft disappointment continues with warning over playing time

29 April 2023 , 19:19

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Will Levis was eventually picked 33rd overall by the Titans

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has labelled Will Levis as their third-choice quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis.

The Titans had been one of a number of teams reported to be interested in Levis in the first-round, with a number of analysts projecting them to move up to the third overall selection to acquire him. However, they chose to stay in 11th position and instead selected offensive lineman Peter Skoronski, one of the more highly-rated players in the entire class.

No-one had expected Levis to fall out of the first-round entirely, but the slide stopped when the Titans traded up to acquire him with the 33rd overall pick.

On paper it looks like a perfect landing spot for Levis. The Titans are a team in transition, but have a solid offensive line and receivers, along with proven elite coaching in Vrabel.

Although the team moved significant assets to trade up for Levis, the head coach has stated that it does not change the current pecking order - with the Kentucky quarterback needing to prove himself and earn his spot.

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Speaking at a press conference after their picks, Vrabel said: "Ryan will be the starting quarterback on Monday.

"Malik will be the backup. Will will be the third quarterback. And what I've told them is whatever happens after that will be up to the players. That's what it's always been here. That's what we always want it to be."

Tannehill has been a solid starter for the team, throwing 34 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in his last 29 starts but the Titans have been heavily discussed as a quarterback landing spot all off-season as they've struggling to make a significant strides in the play-offs.

Levis has a lot to prove before he becomes a starter with the Titans

After this season though, the Titans will have the opportunity to move on from Tannehill and save significant cap space, with Levis now a viable option alongside last year's third round pick, Malik Willis. The former Liberty quarterback struggled mightily in his rookie season, throwing for no touchdowns and five interceptions in his eight appearances that featured three starts.

For now though, he remains ahead of Levis on the depth chart, as the former Kentucky man will have to impress over the next few months.

Charlie Wilson