Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis can head into training camp with a little bit of swagger after making it No. 33 overall in this year’s draft. Competing against Cameron Ward, the first overall pick in the draft, Levis aims to prove his worth despite currently being positioned as second in line for reps. This offseason, he showed a clear commitment to self-improvement, with obvious focus and intent on the areas of growth noted by the coaching staff.
Levis’s path has been rocky, to say the least. Since 2020, he’s had the daunting task of learning a new offensive scheme each year. This rapid shift has understandably left him unable to build any sort of groove to his game. He is unshaken by these obstacles and continues to compete with a fierce determination for the left tackle spot. Under the guidance of quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, Levis has engaged in intensive training to refine his skills and address weaknesses.
During recent organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, Ward has garnered more opportunities in 7-on-7 drills and team periods, further intensifying the competition. That being said, Levis is still positive, noting, “I feel really good, like I took a lot of steps forward. He is obviously dedicating himself to getting better every day. Whether he’s playing the role of the starter or not, he approaches every day with that of a starter’s mentality.
Head coach Brian Callahan had a “very straightforward conversation” with Levis following the previous season, outlining specific areas for improvement. Callahan discussed why it is crucial to think about lower body mechanics. This targeted training is key for avoiding errors that may result in a turnover. Last year, Levis struggled with his consistency. This left him with an eventual 2-10 starting record, while passing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Even given these failures, Levis remains positive and on task. He fearlessly commands the quarterback pecking order, placed in front of Kyle Allen and Tim Boyle. Nick Holz, an assistant on UK’s coaching staff, praised Levis’s talent and poise to navigate through such a tough situation. “Rarely have I seen such clarity displayed.” He added, “Will has been amazing in terms of how he’s approached what was a really new situation.
Levis’s commitment to getting better is apparent by looking at his daily schedule. Believe me, I’m taking every single precaution to be on the safe side. I just want to be that same guy on a consistent basis every day in the building and be available for my teammates. I’m not trying to be better than somebody else, I’m just trying to get better every day,” he explained. This complete approach indicates a level of maturity that is necessary for one of the most competitive positions on the roster.
The most important training camp of his young career now awaits Levis as he looks to earn a firm top three role. His performance is closely watched by the coaching staff, who understand the need to keep spirits high in a competitive environment. Ward now finds himself in the limelight as the presumptive frontrunner. It’s the combination of Levis’s work ethic and obsession with self-improvement that has a chance to flip the script as practices go on.
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