Look, if you’re trying to figure out the Riley Leonard draft profile, you’re basically signing up for one of the most polarizing debates in recent scouting rooms. Some people look at him and see a mini-Josh Allen. Others? They see a high-end athlete who just might not have the "it" factor as a pure pocket passer.
Honestly, it depends on what you value. Do you want the guy who can lower his shoulder on 3rd-and-short and physically punish a linebacker? Or are you looking for the guy who can slice up a Cover 2 defense with 15-yard out routes all game? With Leonard, you’re betting on the former while hoping the latter develops before his rookie contract is up.
The Physicality Factor: More Than Just a Runner
Riley Leonard isn't your typical "scat-back" style of mobile quarterback. He’s 6'4" and weighs in around 216 pounds, and he uses every bit of that frame. When he was at Duke, and definitely during his massive 2024 season at Notre Dame, he ran like a guy who didn't know he was allowed to slide.
He tallied 906 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground during that 2024 run to the National Championship game. Think about that for a second. Seventeen rushing touchdowns from a quarterback. That’s not just "scrambling"—that’s being the focal point of the short-yardage and red-zone offense.
Scouts love the toughness. NFL teams like the Indianapolis Colts have already gone on record—area scout Mike Lacy mentioned they were drawn to him because he’s a "sponge" and a fierce competitor. He’s got that "alpha" energy in the locker room. Teammates follow him because he’s willing to take a hit to move the chains. But that same toughness is a double-edged sword. In 2023, he dealt with ankle and toe injuries that basically derailed his season at Duke. If he keeps playing like a power back in the NFL, he’s going to get banged up. Simple as that.
Breaking Down the Passing Mechanics
Here is where the Riley Leonard draft profile gets a little dicey. If you look at the raw numbers from his final college season—2,861 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions—they look solid. Not elite, but solid.
The tape tells a more nuanced story.
- The Quick Game: Leonard is actually pretty great at the short, rhythm-based stuff. If the play is designed to get the ball out in under 2.5 seconds on a slant or a hitch, he’s money.
- Deep Ball Concerns: He only threw the ball 20+ yards downfield 34 times in 2024. That’s... low. Like, really low.
- The "Muscle" Thrower Problem: Some scouts call him a muscle thrower. Basically, he uses his upper body strength to force the ball rather than using his legs and hips in a fluid motion. This leads to the ball sailing on him, especially when he’s under pressure.
His adjusted completion percentage was actually quite high—around 78.2%—which suggests that when he’s comfortable, he’s accurate. But when the pocket collapses? His PFF grade under pressure dipped significantly. He has a tendency to "bail" on clean pockets a little too early because he knows he can pick up five yards with his legs. In the NFL, you can't do that every time. The speed of the edge rushers is just different.
Riley Leonard Draft Profile: The Comp Game
Everyone wants to find a pro comparison for this guy. You've probably heard the Dak Prescott or Ryan Lindley names tossed around because of the "Adjusted Yards Per Attempt" (AY/A) stats. Leonard's AY/A sat around 7.3, which is on the lower side for a high-end prospect.
But if you watch the way he moves, the Tim Tebow or Taysom Hill comparisons actually feel more honest. He’s a "football player" playing quarterback.
One thing that really helps his case is his age. Coming out at 22, he’s younger than some of the other "super seniors" we’ve seen lately. There is room to grow. He’s not a finished product yet. NFL coaches look at a 6'4" kid who runs a 4.5 and think, "I can teach him to read a safety, but I can't teach that speed."
What Needs to Happen in Year One?
If a team grabs him, they probably aren't starting him Week 1 unless things have gone horribly wrong. The Riley Leonard draft profile suggests he needs a "redshirt" year.
He needs to fix his lower-half mechanics. His feet can get "heavy," as some scouts put it, which ruins his timing. If he can learn to stay light on his toes and trust his protection, he could be a legitimate starter. If not? He’s a high-end backup who can come in and run a specific package of plays to mess with a defense’s head.
Actionable Insights for the Draft Season
If you’re a fan or a front-office nut following Leonard’s trajectory, keep your eyes on these specific markers:
- Pro Day Velocity: Watch how the ball zips on 15-yard out-breaking routes. Does he have to "wind up," or does it come off his hand effortlessly?
- Medical Reports: This is the big one. His 2023 injuries weren't "freak" accidents; they were the result of his playstyle. Teams will want to see if his ankles and feet have 100% mobility.
- System Fit: He belongs in a heavy RPO (Run-Push Option) system. If he goes to a team that wants a statue in the pocket, he will struggle. Look for teams like the Eagles, Bills, or Colts who already have schemes built for mobile QBs.
Ultimately, the Riley Leonard draft profile is a bet on ceiling versus floor. His floor is a versatile gadget player who wins you a game or two. His ceiling? A dual-threat nightmare who forces defensive coordinators to keep a spy on him every single snap. It’s going to be a wild ride watching where he lands.
Next Step: You should check out the latest Senior Bowl measurements to see if Leonard has added any "good weight" to his frame to help with his durability at the next level.