Will Levis won't attend Round 2 of 2023 NFL Draft, leaves Kansas City

The former Kentucky quarterback isn't sticking around the NFL Draft after slipping out of the first round on opening night

There won't be any more cuts back to Will Levis waiting around the backstage area of the NFL Draft as the former Kentucky quarterback decided to leave Kansas City and not be in town as Round 2 kicks off, according to media reports.

Kentucky Sports Radio first reported the decision by the Wildcats signal caller and NFL Network also mentioned it during its draft coverage on Friday.

Levis was the subject of some intense and surprising pre-draft speculation that indicated teams were considering selecting the quarterback high in the first round, but all 31 first-round selections came and went without his name being called.

Related: Complete list of Round 1 picks at 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN devoted a number of camera shots between selections to show audiences pictures of Levis sitting backstage, surrounded by his family and girlfriend, looking increasingly confused and upset that he hadn't been drafted yet.

Speculation has swirled during the draft as to why Levis wasn't picked in the first round as so many analysts had projected, most notably Mel Kiper of ESPN, who has consistently mocked the quarterback in his top 10 leading up to the draft.

More: 2023 NFL Draft picks by college football team, conference

On the night of the draft, reports emerged that teams were concerned about a potential injury to Levis' toe, an ailment that bothered him last season and kept him from two games for Kentucky.

NFL insider Chris Mortensen noted that the injury was "problematic for one team that considered him."

"Levis says the 'toe has healed' and [is] good to go," Mortensen added. "Another team believes Levis could manage it but thought surgery would need discussion after [the] season. Levis disagrees."

There has also been some concern about Levis' perceived turnover issues handling the ball, as the Kentucky star threw 23 interceptions over the last two seasons.

Whatever the case may be, most observers believe Levis is a lock to be selected in Round 2, but whichever team calls his name, he apparently won't be there to hear it.

(KSR)

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