NFL Trade Rumors: Insider predicts NFC North team will pull off blockbuster trade to get Will Levis

Will Levis is one of the top quarterback prospects entering the 2023 NFL Draft in a year when the position is loaded with potential studs. He represents an elite group of quarterbacks in this class as one of the four currently projected to be selected in the top 10. He joins Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide, CJ Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Anthony Richardson of the Florida Gators.

Many mock drafts around the NFL have connected the Kentucky Wildcats quarterback to the Indianapolis Colts with the fourth overall pick. The Athletic is predicting a much different outcome in the most recent version of their official beat-writer mock draft.

NFL insider Alec Lewis is predicting Will Levis to fall to the seventh overall pick in the first round. The Las Vegas Raiders currently own this pick, but Lewis believes they will trade out of their spot after signing Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency. The Minnesota Vikings are his pick to move up the board and acquire Will Levis in a trade with the Raiders.

The bold blockbuster prediction includes the Vikings sending the Raiders the 23rd and 87th overall picks this year, as well as their first-round pick in the 2024 draft. The Vikings will receive the seventh overall pick for the opportunity to select Will Levis, along with the Raiders' 204th overall pick this year.

.@TheAthleticNFL Beat Reporter Mock Draft 2.0

2️⃣. Texans: Bryce Young, QB

4️⃣. Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB

7️⃣. Vikings (via LV): Will Levis, QB

2️⃣6️⃣. Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB

Full mock ⤵️
theathletic.com/4327828/2023/0…

This potential situation will see Levis as the fourth quarterback selected, following CJ Stroud to the Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young to the Houston Texans, and Anthony Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Raiders trading back with a quarterback-needy team certainly makes sense after they landed Garoppolo. Meanwhile, it was a bit surprising at first to see the Vikings as Lewis' prediction to make the move.

Are the Vikings a logical landing spot for Will Levis in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Kirk Cousins put together one of the best seasons of his entire career last year, leading the Vikings to the playoffs by winning the NFC North. His strong campaign and the Vikings' success made it a bit strange at first to see them possibly targeting a quarterback in the draft. Cousins' contract situation tells a potentially different story.

Just one year remains on Kirk Cousins' contract with the Vikings, making him an unrestricted free agent following the 2023 NFL season. He will also be 35 years old when that happens, so he could be nearing the back end of his career. If the Vikings don't plan on bringing him back on a contract extension, it's time to start thinking about their next quarterback.

This is where Will Levis could step in. He wouldn't be pressured to be the starting quarterback in Week 1, instead serving as a backup initially while learning from Cousins. Picking him now could solve their potential issue at quarterback next year, planning ahead for the most important position in the NFL.