The 2023 NFL Draft is off and underway, but Will Lewis’ experience has already been a rollercoaster with a huge, early drop. A few days ago, the Kentucky Wildcats were the odds-on favorite to go quarterback. Second overall For the Houston Texans. Now three quarterbacks in his class have been selected ahead of him, and he’s completely out of the first round: Alabama’s Bryce Young (first overall to the Carolina Panthers), Ohio State’s C.J. Strode (second overall to the Houston Texans) and Florida’s Anthony Richardson (to the Indianapolis Colts). fourth overall).
Lewis performed Hand strength from his knees on Twitter A few days ago, but he looks to bounce back from his 2021 campaign (19 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions) and his age (he’ll be 24 when the 2023 season begins) at Kentucky in 2022. has hurt his case. Levi’s medical profile also appears to be a problemHe was forced to miss a couple of games in 2022, notably with a left toe injury.
With the possibility of a cut down the 2023 NFL Draft board, here are some potential Day 2 landing spots for the fourth-best quarterback prospect in this class.
NFL Draft Los Angeles Rams: 36th overall pick (second round)
The 36th overall pick is the Rams’ first in the 2023 NFL Draft, and if they don’t feel confident about quarterback Matthew Stafford’s health moving forward, Lewis could be a draft-and-develop pick for the Rams’ future following Stafford’s injury. He missed eight of the final nine games of the 2022 season due to head injury struggles. Current Kentucky Wildcats offensive coordinator Liam Coen was Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator in 2022, so if the Rams need additional intel on Lewis, they have an inside source.
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Seattle Seahawks: 37th overall pick (second round)
Yes, the Seahawks just re-signed Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith to a three-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason after he ranked atop the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%, setting the Seahawks’ single-season record). 10 in 2022 in passing yards (4,282, eighth-most in NFL and set Seahawks single-season record), passing touchdowns (30, fourth-most in NFL), and passer rating (100.9, fifth in NFL).
However, Smith turns 33 in October and this was his first Pro Bowl season after spending much of his nine-year career as a backup. Lewis could learn if Smith allowed his career to turn around for a year, and then it could be Lewis’ time. Smith has no guaranteed salary on his contract beyond 2023, making him a very movable player. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll often said that the opportunity was “Absolutely there” To take a quarterback with two first-round picks in Round 1 of this draft. This is an opportunity to get someone who most thinks is a Round 1 talent in Round 2.
Las Vegas Raiders: 38th overall pick (second round)
Josh McDaniels did a strong job of developing Mack Jones as a rookie during the 2021 season as he became just the 10th rookie in league history to throw for over 3,500 passing yards and over 20 passing touchdowns. Yes, they just signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.8 million contract in free agency, but he has no guaranteed money beyond 2024. Lewis could groom McDaniels to become Jimmy G’s long-term successor in 2025. and beyond.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 50th overall pick (second round)
Lewis could immediately compete for the Buccaneers’ starting spot in Tampa Bay with Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield. Even if he doesn’t win, Lewis will be in a great position to develop with receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Mayfield is only on a one-year deal, so Lewis could have a chance to play in 2024 if that doesn’t materialize in 2023.
Minnesota Vikings: 87th overall pick (third round)
A home loss to Daniel Jones and the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card round almost took all the air out of the Vikings’ first season under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Quarterback Kirk Cousins’ check-down with the game on the line on fourth-and-8 was the most scratchy play of the game. The soon-to-be 35-year-old enters the final year of his contract in 2023, so Lewis can learn the ropes from Cousins for one season and then hit the field in 2024 ready to target the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Justin Jefferson early and often.
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