The countdown to the 2023 NFL Draft had the entire league buzzing with excitement, and the rumor mill was working overtime. All eyes were on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who had been attracting mixed reviews leading up to the big day. But with only a week to go before the event, Levis appeared to be tracking towards the No. 2 overall selection.
The line movement was somewhat surprising, given reports of Levis’ awful team interviews that had previously caused his stock to drop. Nevertheless, he had managed to win over the scouts with his impressive arm strength and ability to make plays with his legs.
Levis’ potential as a franchise quarterback had piqued the interest of the Houston Texans, who held the second overall pick in the draft. The Texans desperately needed a quarterback, and Levis seemed like the perfect fit for their team. However, rumors were swirling that Texans GM Nick Caserio was open to trade offers for the pick, leading to speculation that a division rival might make a play for Levis.
The Indianapolis Colts, who held the fourth pick, were reportedly the favorites to draft Levis earlier in the week. It was no secret that the Colts were considering a quarterback and might be desperate enough to trade up two spots to secure their franchise signal-caller.
According to one AFC scout, “the Colts want Levis,” but if Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud was available, things could get “complicated.” Stroud had been the odds-on favorite to be the first pick, but allegations about his character and a reported S2 cognition test grade had caused his stock to drop.
All indications were that Alabama’s Bryce Young would be the first overall selection, leaving the drama to start heating up after Houston was on the clock. The three-day event was set to kick off on Thursday, April 27, in Kansas City.
As the draft approached, tension mounted across the league, and fans eagerly awaited the next chapter in their team’s history. The stage was set for an unforgettable weekend of wheeling and dealing, surprises, and heartbreaks. And for Will Levis, the ultimate question remained: would he go second overall to the Texans, or would he end up with a rival team? The answer would soon be revealed, as the 2023 NFL Draft was about to get underway.
