Ourlads' Profile:
2025 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about RILEY LEONARD:
Notre Dame | Hometown: Fairhope, AL | HT: 6036 | WT: 216 | 40 time: N/A | Hand: 0912 | Arm: 3214 | Wing: 7758
Three-year starter. All-ACC in 2022. Spent three seasons at Duke prior to transferring to Notre Dame for the 2024 season. He initially made a name for himself as a runner, finishing second in the country among quarterbacks in 2022 with 13 rushing touchdowns. With the idea of improving his surrounding cast to help him reach his ceiling as a passer, Leonard went to lead the Fighting Irish and led them to the National Championship after losing his first home game against unranked Northern Illinois. He and the team hit their stride following that loss and the improvement as a passer did come while he maintained his effectiveness on the ground. Does not make a lot of big time NFL-caliber throws but he does protect the ball and he will be a dual threat at the next level. His top-shelf intangibles and ability to lead will win over decision makers from the perspective of looking for a quality backup presence. Big, strong, and athletic that shows a high level of toughness. Can see the field well and will process information pre-snap. Vastly improved mechanics over the last three years and it led to better accuracy. Confident in the short to intermediate areas. Has enough arm to make most throws. Very quick to tuck and scramble. Needs to make more happen with his arm. Does not maintain accuracy on the move, particularly when rolling left. Lack of deep passing success is concerning. Projects to a backup role that can offer dual-threat potential and a reliable work ethic that has proven to be effective when it comes to development.
2024 Stats: 269/403, 2861 yds, 66.7%, 21 TD, 8 INT, 906 yds rushing, 17 TD, 139.6 QB rating. Draft projection: 5th-6th round