Will Levis drafted by Titans as 2023 NFL Draft saga ends

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Finally, Will Levis was drafted.

After waiting for a first-round call that didn’t come at the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Kentucky quarterback is headed to Tennessee.

The Titans selected Levis with the No. 33 pick on Friday in Kansas City, where the quarterback was not present for the second round.

Tennessee traded up to get the pick, sending selections 41, 72 and a 2023 third-round pick to Arizona for the 33rd pick and No. 81.

After falling out of the first round, Levis and his family, including girlfriend Gia Duddy, did not stick around for the draft festivities at KC’s iconic Union Station.

Levis and his family have been the talk of the draft after the quarterback — a projected top-five pick — slipped down the board.

Prior to the start of the draft, Levis had the second-best odds to be the second overall pick.

The Texans and Colts were believed to favor Levis, but instead took C.J. Stroud (Ohio) at No. 2, and Anthony Richardson (Florida) fourth overall, respectively.

Carolina selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young first.

Now, Levis will get to learn from veteran Ryan Tannehill — who is entering the final year of his deal with the Titans — and compete alongside second-year QB Malik Willis, who struggled in limited opportunities as a rookie with Tennessee signing journeyman Josh Dobbs to play over Willis when Tannehill was injured.

Levis made headlines days before the draft when a Reddit rumor drastically increased his odds to go No. 1 at multiple sports books, causing a frenzy in the betting world.

On Tuesday, a trending post by Reddit user “SaleAgreeable2834” alleged that Levis was telling friends and family the Panthers were going to select him with the No. 1 overall pick.

It’s unclear who the Reddit account belonged to.

Levis became a trending topic on Twitter during the draft as cameras honed in on him repeatedly checking his phone while his family rallied around him.

The quarterback also was the subject of viral memes on social media, as well as the top story across a number of sports talk shows.

Levis is reportedly dealing with a lingering left toe injury, which might’ve been a red flag for teams.

However, the 23-year-old has insisted he is healthy.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, four players, including Levis, were left in the green room after Round 1: Georgia Tech edge Keion White, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Alabama safety Brian Branch.

Levis, at 6-foot-4, 229 pounds, has a strong arm and physical build.

Some draft analysts have raised concerns about his play selection, ability to read the field and mechanics.

In two seasons as a starter for Kentucky, Levis — a PSU transfer — completed 65.7% of his passes for 5,232 yards and 43 touchdowns to 23 interceptions.

His 43 touchdowns are the fifth-most in Wildcats’ program history.

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