For all of the talk of who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there’s been plenty of drama surrounding the No. 2 pick, too.
And a surprising name has emerged as the betting favorite in the final days before Thursday’s opening round.
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, whom most draftniks have as the fourth-best quarterback prospect in this year’s class, is currently dealing as the front-runner (+175) to go off the board with the second pick on Thursday, according to the latest betting odds at FanDuel.
He’s priced slightly ahead of Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson (+250), while Alabama star Will Anderson (+320) and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud (+380) are the only other players dealing at shorter than 9/1 odds.
Will Kentucky’s Will Levis go No. 2 overall in 2023 NFL Draft?
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Levis, who was briefly mentioned as a dark horse for the top pick before seeing his draft stock tumble in recent weeks amid concerns about his maturity and his decision-making as a passer – as evidenced by his 23 interceptions in two years at Kentucky.
Those haven’t gone away, but the annual hype machine that dominates every draft cycle has propelled Levis, who has some scouts salivating over his prototypical size (6-4, 229 lbs) and cannon arm.
That was on full display at the draft combine, and it could entice a team in the top five to take a shot on the polarizing passer.
Could that team be Houston?
Levis has been linked to two other AFC South teams – the Colts and Titans – though there’s been very little smoke about his chances of joining the Texans, who are suspected to be more interested in an impact defender than a raw quarterback.
There’s also been some noise about Houston trading down, which could make Levis more likely to be the second pick in Thursday’s draft.
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That’s especially true if the Colts are locked in on the Kentucky star, as has been speculated, but aren’t willing to risk that he isn’t available when they draft at No. 4.
For now, the smarter play is likely to bet on one of the star defenders or even to take a shot on Anthony Richardson (40/1), whom many draft experts have graded ahead of Levis.
But don’t be surprised if Levis ends up hearing his name called sooner than anyone expects.