Riley Leonard Draft Profile: Is the Notre Dame QB’s Dual-Threat Ability Enough to Overcome Accuracy Concerns?
The roar of the crowd, the weight of expectation, and the precision of a perfectly thrown spiral – these are the elements that define an NFL quarterback. But what happens when that spiral wobbles, when accuracy becomes a question mark? This is the looming question surrounding Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Leonard, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, captivated fans with his athleticism and leadership, leading the Fighting Irish to a CFP National Championship appearance. However, scouts and analysts are dissecting his game, particularly his consistency as a passer. Can his impressive running ability and flashes of brilliance outweigh concerns about his accuracy at the next level?
A Meteoric Rise and a Golden Opportunity
Riley Leonard’s journey to the precipice of the NFL has been anything but conventional. Overlooked by major programs out of high school, the three-star recruit initially landed at Duke University. It was there, under the tutelage of the Blue Devils coaching staff, that Leonard began to blossom. In his breakout 2022 season, he joined an elite club, becoming one of only three FBS quarterbacks to surpass 2,900 passing yards and 695 rushing yards, alongside future first-round picks Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Leonard led Duke to their first nine-win season in nearly a decade, earning Military Bowl MVP honors.
However, a devastating toe injury in 2023 threatened to derail his momentum. Leonard faced a pivotal decision: transfer to a program with national championship aspirations or remain at Duke and attempt to rebuild. Ultimately, he chose the former, trading Duke blue for Notre Dame gold. The gamble paid off. In 2024, Leonard broke Notre Dame’s single-season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns with 17 scores while leading the Irish to signature wins over USC and Ohio State and a playoff berth.
The Dual-Threat Dynamo: Leonard’s Strengths
Leonard’s appeal to NFL teams begins with his undeniable athleticism. At 6’4″ and 216 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size and build for a modern NFL quarterback. He’s a legitimate dual-threat, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. His 82.8 PFF rushing grade this past season ranked third among draft-eligible quarterbacks. Leonard is a strong, powerful runner with the mindset that he can overpower any defender. His rushing ability is an immediate pathway to him finding some early success in the NFL.
Beyond his physical gifts, Leonard possesses several intangible qualities that scouts covet. He’s known for his toughness, leadership, and competitive spirit. Leonard’s upbeat personality and toughness were a catalyst in his one year with Notre Dame, pushing him to the brink of legend status. He’s a gamer who thrives in pressure situations, as evidenced by his game-winning drive against Texas A&M, where he made two critical throws and two key runs.
Accuracy Concerns: The Lingering Doubt
Despite his impressive physical tools and leadership qualities, Leonard’s accuracy remains a significant concern for NFL evaluators. While he completed a respectable 66.7% of his passes at Notre Dame, his completion percentage on throws traveling 10+ air yards downfield was below 50%. According to PFF, his uncatchable throw rate on passes targeted 10-19 yards downfield was among the highest in the draft class.
Several factors contribute to Leonard’s accuracy issues. Some scouts point to inconsistencies in his lower body mechanics, particularly when under pressure. Others note that he tends to be a “one-read quarterback,” struggling to progress through his reads and often resorting to scrambling or checking down early. He can bail out of the pocket too quickly, does not throw well on the run, and can throw wild when his feet are not set.
The Verdict: Potential vs. Polish
Riley Leonard is a fascinating prospect. He possesses the raw talent, athleticism, and leadership qualities that NFL teams desire in a quarterback. His dual-threat ability is a valuable asset in today’s game, and his toughness and competitiveness are undeniable. However, his accuracy concerns are legitimate and could limit his ceiling at the next level.
Most analysts project Leonard as a mid-round pick, with some suggesting he could be a Day 3 selection. His draft stock will likely depend on how well he performs in pre-draft workouts and interviews, and how effectively he can address concerns about his accuracy and consistency.
Several teams could be potential landing spots for Leonard. The Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Atlanta Falcons all make sense as teams that could use a developmental quarterback with upside. Ultimately, Leonard’s success in the NFL will depend on his ability to refine his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and harness his considerable potential.
Riley Leonard’s story is far from written. He’s a player who has overcome adversity and consistently bet on himself. Whether his dual-threat ability will be enough to overcome his accuracy concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Riley Leonard will enter the NFL with the determination to prove his doubters wrong.