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In this feature, we look at Riley Leonard for the 2025 NFL Draft. We will provide film-based analysis, strengths, weaknesses, ideal scheme fit, player comparison, and a brief fantasy football rundown.
NFL Draft Prospect: QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
- Our 2025 Rookie Rank: QB7
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 216 pounds
Riley Leonard's Scouting Report
Riley Leonard's opening drive of the National Championship game was breathtaking. Nine carries for 34 physical yards and a touchdown to put the Irish up 7-0 early. Then, the rest of the game happened. His 255 yards in the game were still a season-high, and the touchdown run was his 17th, the second most in school history. Leonard's upbeat personality and toughness were a catalyst in his one year with Notre Dame, pushing him to the brink of legend status.
On paper, there is a lot to like about Leonard. The dual-threat ability, winning play, and gamer mentality are all positives. He possesses a good touch on the ball in the passing game, but his arm talent is questioned. He rarely played inside structure, and most of his pass attempts came on the move or off of play action. Despite great instincts as a player, he is a "see it, throw it" passer. Notre Dame rarely asked him to make tight-window throws that translate to an NFL level. His movement skills allow him to manipulate coverages to create windows and react well to improvisational situations. Due to his comfort and preference to play on the move, he struggles to set his lower body to drive deeper throws, and his accuracy suffers. He aces the off-field portion of the position, and his frame and athleticism, combined with his profile and postseason run, will have a team taking a chance on him.
Riley Leonard's Strengths and Weaknesses
Ideal Scheme Fit
Leonard fits best in a rush-based offense with heavy RPO tendencies focusing on horizontal spacing and pocket moving.
2025 NFL Draft Round Projection
Rounds 3-4
NFL Player Comparison
The Fantasy Football Rundown
Leonard has hype from a run to the National Championship game and legitimate dual-threat athleticism. He is a project as a passer who will need the right developmental situation to become a starter.
2025 Rookie Guide
Want to see this kind of breakdown for 120+ NFL Rookies? Download the 2025 Footballguys Rookie Guide. Version 1.0 - from before the Combine - is completely free and jam-packed with the information you need this year for fantasy football success.
Here's Leonard's profile from the 2025 Footballguys Rookie Guide.
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