Riley Leonard has had one of the most intriguing career trajectories of any quarterback entering the 2025 NFL Draft. From his breakout sophomore campaign at Duke to his transfer and resurgence at Notre Dame, Leonard has consistently showcased the tools and traits that make him a fascinating NFL prospect.
A Star is Born
At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Leonard has the prototypical size NFL teams covet in a quarterback. Coupled with his athleticism and mobility, he offers a rare combination of traits that can be molded into a starting-caliber player with the right development.
Leonard first turned heads during his sophomore season at Duke, where he threw for nearly 3,000 yards, rushed for 700 more, and accounted for 33 total touchdowns. The 6’4” dual-threat quarterback displayed his rare blend of size, athleticism, and arm talent, putting himself on the radar of scouts early in his career.
After injuries sidelined much of his junior year, Leonard decided to take his talents to Notre Dame for his senior campaign. This move not only gave him a fresh start but also allowed him to elevate his draft stock by performing in a pro-style offense against high-level competition.
Senior Season and NFL Traits
At Notre Dame, Leonard has flourished, demonstrating his readiness for the next level. His senior season saw him exceed expectations, putting together a well-rounded campaign that solidified his reputation as a quarterback with NFL potential.
A former track athlete, Leonard’s speed is deceptive but highly effective. His ability to extend plays with his legs or pick up first downs as a runner is evident in his career total of 34 rushing touchdowns.
Leonard stands tall in the pocket, showing poise and the ability to read defenses at a high level. His decision-making and awareness are advanced for his age, allowing him to process multiple reads and find open targets. He’s logged over 6,000 career passing yards, showcasing solid ball placement and accuracy at all three levels. While his arm strength isn’t elite, it’s more than sufficient for NFL throws, and his touch on intermediate and deep passes is impressive.
NFL Projection
While Leonard’s ceiling may not be as high as some of the top quarterbacks in this class, his physical tools, football IQ, and dual-threat capability make him an intriguing Day 3 prospect. With a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and his Pro Day, Leonard could rise into late Day 2 consideration.
Leonard is the type of prospect who could thrive in the right system, particularly one that
values mobility and the ability to extend plays. Teams in need of a quarterback with upside should have their eyes on him.
For a team willing to invest time in his development, Riley Leonard could emerge as a capable starter or high-end backup at the next level. With his age (just 22) and versatility, he offers a unique package that may surprise many NFL scouts come draft day.
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