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QB Draft Notes: Patriots, Seahawks, Lions

April 25th, 2023 at 7:15pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve heard several times that the Colts have interest in Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, and Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com reiterated today that the organization is a fan of the prospect (via Pat McAfee Show on Twitter). However, one surprising suitor has emerged in the Levis sweepstakes.

According to Mike Giardi (on Twitter), the Patriots have “real interest” in Levis, While there isn’t “universal” interest in the quarterback within the organization, there are some “important folks in that building” who believe in the player’s ability and potential. Giardi also cautions that the prospect hasn’t “blown anyone away” during his workouts, a surprising remark considering Levis’ draft stock seems to be climbing each day.

While Bill Belichick and co. have a penchant for moving back in the first round, the organization would surely have to move up the board if they hope to get their hands on Levis. The Patriots are currently sitting with the No. 14 pick in the draft, and if the Colts’ interest is for real, New England would have to jump into the top-three to get their hands on the signal-caller.

That would be a shocking development after the Patriots used a first-round pick on Mac Jones only two years ago. Jones took a step back during his sophomore season in the NFL, leading some to wonder if the coaching staff could be eyeing a quarterback competition heading into training camp. While that competition was assumed to feature Jones and Bailey Zappe, the Patriots could shock the NFL world by adding another player to the mix.

More QB draft notes…

  • ESPN’s Todd McShay writes that he’s getting a “strong sense” that the Seahawks won’t leave the first round without a quarterback. McShay wonders if the front office could be eyeing Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Florida’s Anthony Richardson with the fifth-overall selection, noting that either prospect would make sense as a long-term developmental option behind Geno Smith. McShay also notes that the Seahawks could skip over the position at No. 5 before targeting Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker at No. 20.
  • As we’ve heard previously, the Titans are in the mix for a quarterback, with McShay noting that they’re contenders to trade up from No. 11 to select Stroud or Levis. If the organization is unable to pull off a trade up the board, McShay writes that the front office would likely pivot and trade back, in which case they could select Hooker later in the first round.
  • McShay says the Lions could be a surprising suitor for a quarterback prospect at No. 6. If Stroud does fall down the board, the writer opines that he won’t fall any further than Detroit, where he could serve as a temporary backup to Jared Goff. Meanwhile, while the Raiders previously sniffed around at a trade for Alabama’s Bryce Young, they’re unlikely to take a quarterback with the No. 7 pick, per McShay.

NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit LionsIndianapolis ColtsLas Vegas RaidersNew England PatriotsSeattle SeahawksTennessee TitansAnthony RichardsonC.J. StroudHendon HookerWill Levis

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