With 35-year-old quarterback Ryan Tannehill dealing with a sprained ankle, it’s time for change in Tennessee.
Next Man Up
The Titans hoped Malik Willis would be the next man up, but he hasn’t met expectations. In each of the three games he started as a rookie, Willis failed to reach 100 passing yards. The dual-threat quarterback’s lone touchdown in the NFL came as a runner. Head coach Mike Vrabel says Willis will be involved this weekend but won’t be the starter.
Enter Will Levis. The rookie quarterback is expected to play this Sunday for the first time in his pro career. Tennessee selected Levis with the 33rd overall pick although many analysts thought he’d be a top-10 pick.
After sustaining an injury in training camp Levis missed out on crucial reps during the preseason. As a result, he’s been a gameday inactive for Tennessee thus far. For many fans, this weekend will be their first time watching Levis in action. Here’s what to expect in the rookie’s debut.
Will Levis — Pros and Cons
For starters, Levis has an ideal frame for an NFL quarterback. His measurements are 6’4″ and 229lbs with hand size in the 97th percentile. At Kentucky’s pro-day, Levis ran a 40-yard dash in the low 4.7 range. This combination of size and speed bodes well for his ability to avoid tacklers at the next level.
Levis was an inconsistent passer in college, but we’ll start with the good stuff. Arm strength will never be a question for Levis. He can throw as far as anyone and his placement downfield gives receivers a chance to make a play. This strength comes into play on short and intermediate throws, as well. Levis fires the ball with ease and can fit balls into tight windows.
An area he struggled in during college was decision-making. He’d occasionally cost his team by forcing a ball between defenders or making a terrible read. And while he’s good at extending plays, he doesn’t always get the chance to. Levis’s pocket awareness and ability to feel pressure need a lot of work.
So how will a big, fast quarterback with plenty of pros and cons fit in Tennessee’s offense? Given that they don’t rely on this position very much, Levis should be fine.
Talent Surrounding Will Levis
Tennessee has built their offense around their running game. Even their passing game is dependent on their running game. Ryan Tannehill is currently 5th among all quarterbacks in play-action pass attempts.
It’s no secret why the Titans’ offense operates this way. When your running back is the size of a linebacker, opposing defenses notice. I’m alluding to Derrick Henry, of course, who’s formed a nice 1-2 punch with rookie Tyjae Spears.
The Titans aren’t necessarily loaded at wide receiver, but they have pieces for Levis to work with. Veteran DeAndre Hopkins is still a savvy route runner with reliable hands. Even though he’s lost a step, Hopkins should help Levis tremendously.
2nd-year receiver Treylon Burks missed a handful of games as a rookie. It’s been the same story this season. The former first-round pick has been out since week three but is healthy for Levis’s debut. It’s hard to tell how good he is with all the injuries. The hope is that Burks’ size, speed, and versatility will pair nicely with Levis’s canon.
Levis has a pair of dangerous wideouts to work with and an elite rushing attack to lean on. If he fixes some bad habits from his days at Kentucky, he’ll be successful. Levis takes on the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday in his first career start.
Main Photo: [Christopher Hanewinc] – USA Today Sports
