Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) - 2025 NFL Draft Pick #189 by IND


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Riley Leonard - Notre Dame (2025 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:
Riley Leonard is a dynamic quarterback from Notre Dame, known for his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership on the field. As a pivotal player for the Fighting Irish, Leonard has displayed the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run, making him an intriguing prospect for the NFL.

  • Height/Weight: 6'4", 225 lbs
  • College Stats:
    • Completion Percentage: 65%
    • Passing Yards: 3,200
    • Touchdowns: 28
    • Interceptions: 8
    • Rushing Yards: 600
    • Rushing Touchdowns: 5

Strengths:

  • Mobility: Leonard possesses impressive mobility for a quarterback, allowing him to evade pressure and extend plays.
  • Arm Strength: He can make all the necessary throws and has the deep-ball capability to stretch defenses.
  • Football IQ: Demonstrates a strong understanding of defensive schemes and makes quick decisions under pressure.
  • Leadership: A natural leader, Leonard has shown the ability to rally his teammates and perform well in clutch situations.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Consistency: Needs to work on maintaining consistency in his mechanics and accuracy, particularly on shorter throws.
  • Progressions: While he reads defenses well, he sometimes locks onto his primary target too quickly.
  • Injury Concerns: Has had some injury issues in the past, which could raise concerns for NFL teams regarding durability.

Projected Draft Position:

Leonard is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with potential to be one of the top quarterbacks selected. His combination of size, skill set, and collegiate success makes him a highly coveted prospect.

Comparison:

Some analysts compare Riley Leonard to NFL quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts due to his blend of passing ability and mobility.

Conclusion:

Riley Leonard is a promising quarterback prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. Teams looking for a dual-threat quarterback with a high ceiling will likely have him high on their draft boards.