While the Baltimore Ravens had a quiet free agency, they’re still set up as one of the top offenses in 2025. They also hold 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and one analyst believes they’ll use one of those to take a dual-threat quarterback to back up two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
Ravens Predicted To Select Lamar Jackson’s Backup in 2025 NFL Draft
Jackson has stayed healthy and hasn’t missed a game since his 2022 injury. He led the Ravens to the Divisional Round in 2024, throwing for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions.
Still, the Ravens are making sure they have a reliable Plan B. They signed former Cowboys backup Cooper Rush to a two-year deal in free agency. With the draft coming up, PFSN’s Ben Rolfe predicts Baltimore will take Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard with the 136th overall pick.
Leonard, who stands 6’4″ and weighs 216 pounds, is a true dual-threat. He can beat defenses with his legs and has the arm to fit throws into tight windows with solid velocity and touch.
After transferring from Duke, Leonard had a strong season at Notre Dame in 2024. He threw for a career-high 21 touchdowns, completed 66.7% of his passes, and led the Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship. He also added 2,861 passing yards, eight interceptions, and 906 rushing yards with 17 touchdowns on the ground.
Leonard’s Scouting Report
Here’s what PFSN analyst Jacob Infante wrote in his scouting report on Leonard:
“The tools have always been there for Leonard, who has been on the NFL radar since his 9-4 season at Duke in 2022 (2,967 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions).
“He’s a tall, athletic quarterback with a strong arm and the flash plays that make you excited about his prospects at the next level. His creativity makes him a valuable asset with his legs, and he’s made some pretty throws over his three years as a collegiate starter.
“Due to his inconsistency as a processor and in terms of his accuracy, Leonard occasionally put Notre Dame in difficult situations. His sense of pressure needs quite a bit of work, and his mechanics could use some fine-tuning before he hits the NFL level.
“As a toolsy backup quarterback with a championship game appearance, Leonard could end up selected higher than some expect. He’s certainly worth keeping on your bench to see if he develops, but expecting anything in the way of immediate production would be a bold assumption.”
