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.