Riley Leonard: 2025 NFL Draft Prospect with Developmental Potential

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is an intriguing mid-round prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.¹

After transferring from Duke, he demonstrated improved passing efficiency and continued to showcase his dual-threat abilities.

While his upside may be somewhat limited, his athleticism and playmaking ability make him a potential NFL starter in the right situation. Below, we analyze his draft profile, strengths and weaknesses, and five potential landing spots.

The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, but they lack a young, developmental quarterback behind him. Leonard could serve as a backup with the potential to take over in a few years.

With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on short-term deals, the Steelers may look to groom a future starter. Leonard’s playing style fits well with Pittsburgh’s physical offensive philosophy.

The Broncos need a long-term answer at quarterback. While Leonard wouldn’t be a day-one starter, he could sit behind a veteran and learn Sean Payton’s system before taking over.

Riley Leonard’s College Career and Transfer to Notre Dame

Early Years at Duke

Riley Leonard began his college football career with the Duke Blue Devils, gradually working his way into a starting role.²

Over three seasons at Duke, he showed flashes of talent, particularly with his ability to extend plays outside the pocket.

However, his passing numbers were inconsistent, leading to questions about his ability to thrive as a pocket passer.

Leonard transferred to Notre Dame for his senior season, a move that significantly boosted his draft stock. He set career highs in passing touchdowns (21) and completion percentage (66.7%).

Additionally, he showcased his elite mobility by rushing for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns—both career bests. His dual-threat ability became a key selling point for NFL scouts evaluating his potential.

NFL Comparison: A Mix of Sam Howell and Daniel Jones?

Leonard’s skill set draws comparisons to quarterbacks like Sam Howell and Daniel Jones. Like Howell, he has a strong running ability and can pick up yards on designed runs and scrambles.

His passing game resembles Daniel Jones—a quarterback with solid accuracy but limitations in arm strength and decision-making.

If Leonard can continue refining his mechanics and processing speed, he could develop into a reliable NFL starter.

However, he will likely need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.

Given his mid-round projection, several teams could target Riley Leonard as a developmental quarterback. Here are five potential landing spots for the Notre Dame signal-caller.

The Raiders currently have Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew, but neither is a long-term answer. Leonard’s mobility could provide an interesting contrast, and with proper coaching, he could develop into a future starter.

Riley Leonard’s Strengths as a Quarterback

One of Leonard’s biggest assets is his mobility. His 906 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in his final college season illustrate his ability to make plays with his legs.³

His speed and agility allow him to extend plays, escape pressure, and pick up first downs on the ground.

Leonard’s passing efficiency took a leap at Notre Dame. His 66.7% completion rate demonstrates improved accuracy, and he was more decisive with the football.

While he doesn’t possess an elite arm, his improved mechanics and ball placement show promise.

Leonard is a tough quarterback who competes on every down. He willingly takes hits while extending plays and isn’t afraid to challenge defenders in the open field.

His leadership qualities and resilience make him an attractive option for teams seeking a developmental quarterback.

Areas for Improvement

While Leonard has decent accuracy, his arm strength is not at an elite level. He struggles with deep-ball velocity, which may limit his ability to push the ball downfield in the NFL.

At times, Leonard holds onto the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks. His decision-making under pressure needs improvement, as he occasionally forces throws into tight windows.

Although Leonard is a strong runner, he sometimes relies too much on his legs instead of stepping up in the pocket.

Developing better pocket awareness and poise will be crucial for his success at the next level.

The Patriots are searching for stability at quarterback after moving on from Mac Jones. While they may target a top-tier QB in the first round, Leonard could be a viable mid-round option if they wait to address the position.

Riley Leonard 2025 NFL Draft Projection

Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

While he may not be a top-tier, Day 1 pick, Leonard possesses the physical tools and upside that NFL teams look for in a developmental quarterback.

His combination of arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him an attractive option for teams looking to secure their future at the position.

Since Leonard is best suited to a situation where he can develop rather than be thrust into an immediate starting role, certain teams stand out as the best fits for him.

Here are five ideal landing spots for the Notre Dame quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Miami Dolphins – A Developmental Role Behind Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins are one of the most quarterback-friendly destinations in the NFL, thanks to their elite offensive weapons and creative play-calling under head coach Mike McDaniel.

However, Tua Tagovailoa has struggled with injuries throughout his career, which has raised concerns about Miami’s long-term stability at the position.

Leonard would have the opportunity to learn behind Tagovailoa while also being in a system that maximizes quarterback efficiency. With weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami offers a great situation for a young quarterback to develop and thrive if given the opportunity.

Additionally, should Tua’s injury history persist, Leonard could be called upon earlier than expected, giving him a chance to prove himself in a high-powered offense. This makes Miami an ideal landing spot for his long-term growth.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers – A Long-Term Plan for Stability

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason. Names like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers have been linked to Pittsburgh, but neither option is a permanent solution. This presents an opportunity for the Steelers to draft Leonard as a long-term project.

The Steelers have a strong coaching staff led by Mike Tomlin and a reliable infrastructure for quarterback development. They have a history of success with quarterbacks who play smart, disciplined football, and Leonard fits that mold.

If Pittsburgh does indeed sign a veteran QB, Leonard would have the time to develop without immediate pressure.

This situation mirrors how Patrick Mahomes sat behind Alex Smith for a season before taking over in Kansas City.

With the right patience and coaching, Leonard could evolve into Pittsburgh’s franchise quarterback for the future.

 

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3. Los Angeles Rams – The Next Successor to Matthew Stafford

The LA Rams have been one of the most successful teams in developing offensive talent under Sean McVay. However, with Matthew Stafford aging and facing constant trade speculation, the Rams must start planning for their future at quarterback.

Leonard fits the mold of a QB that McVay could mold into a long-term solution. His ability to throw on the move and extend plays aligns with what McVay has traditionally valued in his signal-callers. If Stafford remains in LA for another season or two, Leonard would have an opportunity to refine his skills in a well-structured offense before taking over as the starter.

Even if the Rams decide to move on from Stafford earlier, Leonard could be thrown into action with the support of an offensive-minded head coach. This scenario would allow him to develop in a system that has been highly productive for quarterbacks in recent years.

4. New Orleans Saints – A Bridge QB Behind Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints appear to be a team in transition. While they currently have Derek Carr as their starting quarterback, his long-term future is uncertain. With the Saints seemingly heading toward a roster rebuild, they need to start considering the next face of their franchise.

Leonard would be an excellent candidate to develop behind Carr. Sitting for a season or two could help him refine his decision-making and mechanics before taking over the offense. New Orleans has a solid offensive line and a capable running game, which would ease his transition into a starting role.

Additionally, given the Saints’ cap struggles, investing in a young quarterback like Leonard rather than committing to an expensive veteran would make financial sense. If New Orleans is thinking long-term, drafting Leonard would be a smart move for their future.

5. Seattle Seahawks – An Alternative to Geno Smith

The Seattle Seahawks have an uncertain quarterback situation heading into 2025. While Geno Smith had a breakout year in 2022, he has since regressed, and his status as a long-term option for the franchise remains questionable.

Seattle has the luxury of allowing Leonard to develop behind Smith without rushing him into action. This could be a similar situation to what the Green Bay Packers did with Jordan Love, letting him sit for multiple years before taking over as the starter.

Head coach Mike Macdonald, known for his defensive expertise, would likely pair Leonard with an offensive coordinator capable of designing a system tailored to his strengths. Given Leonard’s mobility and arm talent, he could thrive in Seattle’s offense once he is ready to take the reins.

Riley Leonard: Strengths and Weaknesses as an NFL Prospect

Strengths:

1. Athleticism and Mobility: Leonard has excellent movement skills, making him effective outside the pocket. His ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground is an asset.
2. Arm Strength: He possesses a strong arm capable of making deep throws, which will appeal to teams that prioritize downfield passing.
3. Prototypical Size: At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Leonard has the ideal frame for an NFL quarterback.
4. Grit and Toughness: Leonard has displayed toughness under pressure, particularly in tight-game situations at Notre Dame.
5. Upside and Developmental Potential: While he isn’t a finished product, his raw talent suggests he could grow into a legitimate NFL starter with the right coaching.

Weaknesses:

1. Decision-Making: Leonard needs to improve his ability to read defenses and make quick, correct decisions under pressure.
2. Consistency: His accuracy and ball placement can be erratic at times, especially on intermediate and short throws.
3. Experience Against Elite Competition: While he has played in big games, he has yet to prove himself against the top defenses in college football.