2025 NFL Draft scouting document: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

I’m most likely going to be one of the vital upper other people on Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard. There’s a lot to love and equipment to paintings with for a Day 2 dart throw on draft night time.Leonard has just right measurement and is a wonderful athlete who’s a weapon on designed runs and within the open box. He has a just right really feel within the pocket (however can bail outdoor slightly too temporarily every now and then) with a capability to mitigate sacks and force, one thing he has now proven in the back of two shaky offensive traces at Duke after which in the back of a — forgive the pun — inexperienced Notre Dame unit.Leonard is a correct thrower beneath with some actual flashes of layering throws (and a few downright very good throws like on the finish of the sport in opposition to Indiana within the CFP), however his deep ball stays a big query mark. A few of that used to be Notre Dame’s iffy receiving core, however Leonard did shy clear of pushing the ball every now and then.Leonard’s equipment, toughness and skill to steer clear of destructive performs make him intriguing, and his general passing has picked up because the season went alongside as Notre Dame’s offense — and staff — began to mature. However he nonetheless has to turn that he can execute the ones complicated throws on a extra constant foundation, which would possibly by no means occur and can make him extra simply an enchanting backup choice.It is not the worst guess to make on any such aggressive participant with this a lot athleticism. He displays extra really feel for the placement than he will get credit score for, and he may become a starter down the street.