One of the biggest takeaways from Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday was Kentucky star quarterback Will Levis falling out of the first round, which shocked many.
Levis was seen by many to be a potential top-five pick before the draft. While he didn’t go on Day 1, there was still significant interest surrounding him to go early on Friday.
At last, the Tennessee Titans ended Levis’ huge fall by taking him with the No. 33 pick.
The Will Levis slide finally stops with the Tennessee Titans trading up to select the QB at pick No. 33. 🏈📺 #NFLDraft https://t.co/OaUApgjeCQ pic.twitter.com/B7tZSqOFek
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
It’s ironic that the player no one wanted in the first round reportedly generated significant interest in the second round. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport detailed before the draft resumed that a number of teams were interested in trading up for a quarterback early in the second round. Among the teams he mentioned were the Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders.
"Brother, everyone wants to move but no one wants to make a deal." pic.twitter.com/FXxtokSBQP
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
Rapoport thought that a trade could come with the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick No. 32. He wasn’t exactly correct, but a trade did come one pick later when the Titans moved up by trading with the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 33 pick.
The #Titans acquired 33 and 81 from Arizona for 41, 72 and a 2024 3rd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023
Many around the NFL world took to social media to offer their opinion on the Titans trading up to pick Levis.
QB alert! The #Titans are taking Kentucky QB Will Levis at No. 33. His slide is finally over. He joins Ryan Tannehill, who has one year left on his contract, in Tennessee.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 28, 2023
Titans pick Kentucky QB Will Levis.
Ryan Tannehill is entering the final year of his deal. None of the money is guaranteed.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2023
Titans take Kentucky's Will Levis with the 33rd pick ⚔️
Finally off the board. New QB1 in Tennessee? pic.twitter.com/I48mVO3GQF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
The wait is OVER for Will Levis@Titans trade up in the 2nd round to get their guy at 33rd overall pic.twitter.com/L8rL4C1sWL
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) April 28, 2023
This trade says a lot about how the Titans feel about second-year quarterback Malik Willis, who they famously selected last year by Tennessee after he also slid to the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Second straight year Tennessee has taken a QB who had to spend a full night in the green room. Last year it was Malik Willis. This year it's Will Levis. https://t.co/uc4okle8bN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023
Willis struggled heavily in three starts last season for the Titans, completing only 50.8 percent of his passes. This pick could spell an end to any hope of him becoming the future starter for them.
It will certainly be interesting to see how soon Levis sees action for the Titans. They still have veteran starter Ryan Tannehill, who is in the final year of his contract with the organization.
