Kentucky quarterback Will Levis entered his senior season with the potential to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Although he didn't perform as well as he did in 2021, particularly against top competition, he's still a strong contender to be taken first overall.

"There are several NFL teams that are high on Will Levis, much higher than fans and media folks are," CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson said during an interview with 247Sports. "Fans and media folks end up watching the '22 season, and that raised a ton of question marks.

"What I'm routinely told when I talk to scouts and folks around the league is to please go watch 2021. Understand the offensive line wasn't very good at Kentucky, the wide receivers were freshmen, that [running back] Chris Rodriguez Jr. was out the first four games of the season in the backfield. And of course, we know that Levis was injured most of the season with his toe and shoulder."

Beyond what Wilson mentioned, two other factors play into scouts' fascination with Levis.

First, the 6'3", 232-pound signal-caller brings plus traits to the table. In a world where so many NFL teams would love to have some version of Josh Allen or Justin Herbert on their roster, Levis' value rises even though he's an unpolished prospect with plenty of room for improvement. His size, toughness, cannon for an arm and mobility make him an ideal project to develop.

Secondly, the losses Kentucky endured last offseason extended beyond the departure of Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard, the team's best two offensive linemen, as well as top wide receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Josh Ali. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen also left to join the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff (and since returned two weeks ago).