Tennessee Titans Quarterback Will Levis: A Confirmed Future Star?
The Tennessee Titans‘ quarterback situation has been a topic of intrigue for fans and analysts alike in recent years. The team’s search for a long-term solution under center has led to some interesting moves, and one of the most significant developments came in the 2023 NFL Draft when the Titans selected quarterback Will Levis in the second round. With that pick, the Titans made it clear they were looking toward the future, and Levis was confirmed as an integral part of that vision.
Will Levis’ Journey to the NFL
Will Levis’ path to becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL wasn’t a straightforward one. Born and raised in Madison, Connecticut, Levis was a highly recruited quarterback out of high school. He initially committed to Penn State, where he played as a backup to Sean Clifford for two seasons. Despite his physical tools—Levis is known for his strong arm, athleticism, and competitive nature—he struggled to secure a starting role at Penn State.
In 2021, seeking more playing time and a chance to showcase his abilities, Levis transferred to the University of Kentucky. It didn’t take long for Levis to make an impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Over the course of two seasons at Kentucky, Levis demonstrated his big-play ability, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns across 23 games.
Levis became one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class, joining a group that included Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. While some analysts had concerns about his decision-making and consistency, Levis’ raw physical talent was undeniable. He stood out with his arm strength, mobility, and his ability to make deep throws, something the Titans valued highly in a quarterback.
The Titans’ Draft Decision: Why Levis?
When the Titans selected Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it sent a message: the team was in transition. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill was still on the roster, but there was an obvious desire to start planning for the future. The Titans, led by general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel, clearly saw Levis as the quarterback of tomorrow.
One of the key reasons the Titans felt confident in taking Levis was his potential for development. Unlike some quarterbacks in the draft class, Levis came from a pro-style offense at Kentucky, which helped him get acclimated to NFL-like systems. His ability to read defenses and make plays in critical situations stood out on tape, though there were some inconsistencies, especially with ball placement and decision-making. However, the Titans felt confident that with proper coaching and development, Levis could become the next face of the franchise.
Levis’ Rookie Year and Development
As of the 2023 season, Levis’ development has been a focal point for the Titans. With Tannehill entering the latter stages of his career and backup quarterback Malik Willis still adjusting to the NFL, Levis has been given the opportunity to learn the ropes. Throughout the preseason and into training camp, Levis showed flashes of brilliance. His deep ball accuracy and arm strength were evident, and he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.
In his rookie year, Levis didn’t immediately take over as the starting quarterback, but he was given the chance to start when Tannehill struggled with injury and inconsistency. During his first real action, Levis didn’t disappoint, showing off his cannon arm in a number of impressive throws. He displayed impressive poise for a rookie and had a few moments that Titans fans will remember.
Levis’ Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Arm Strength: Levis is known for his elite arm strength, capable of making throws deep down the field and driving the ball into tight windows. This was one of the most exciting aspects of his game heading into the draft.
- Mobility: Levis has good mobility for a quarterback of his size (6’4″, 229 lbs). He can extend plays outside the pocket and make things happen with his legs when necessary.
- Leadership and Toughness: Throughout his college career, Levis was known for his leadership and toughness, often playing through injuries. His competitive fire and ability to rally his team made him a standout player at Kentucky.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Decision Making: While Levis has the physical tools, one of the critiques about his college play was his tendency to make risky throws. Sometimes, this led to turnovers or missed opportunities. This is something the Titans will need to work on, especially if he’s to become a reliable starter.
- Accuracy: Levis’ accuracy, especially on intermediate throws, was occasionally inconsistent during his college career. While he has the ability to make any throw, he needs to improve his ball placement and timing.
- Footwork: At times, Levis can be prone to poor footwork, which can affect his accuracy and velocity. He’ll need to refine his mechanics to ensure he’s operating at a high level.
What Does the Future Hold?
With Will Levis officially confirmed as part of the Titans’ future, much of the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons will revolve around his development. The Titans’ coaching staff, particularly Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, will need to create a system that allows Levis to succeed while he matures into his role as an NFL quarterback.
Levis will also benefit from a solid supporting cast, which includes one of the best running backs in the league, Derrick Henry, and a strong offensive line. Having a reliable run game can ease the pressure on a young quarterback, allowing him to focus on his passing and decision-making without feeling the need to carry the team.
Defensively, the Titans are in a strong position with a top-tier defense led by Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard, meaning the offense doesn’t need to be perfect right away. As Levis grows in his role, the defense can provide him with opportunities to take risks and develop.
Conclusion
Will Levis’ selection by the Tennessee Titans represents a key part of their future. While he may not be the immediate starter, the team’s confidence in his potential speaks volumes about their long-term vision. If Levis can develop into the quarterback many expect him to be, the Titans could have a franchise signal-caller for years to come.
The 2023 season and beyond will likely be a period of growth and learning for Levis, but if his trajectory continues upward, Titans fans could soon see their next great quarterback leading the charge.