The 2025 NFL Draft is a third of the way through, and while Round 1 is in the books, plenty of potential impact players remain on the board heading into Days 2 and 3. One such name is Riley Leonard, the former Notre Dame quarterback who brings a tantalizing mix of athleticism and arm talent.
Leonard slipping out of the first round was expected. Whether he hears his name called on Day 2 is less certain. Still, his upside makes him a compelling late-round flier for teams with an eye toward the future.
Best Potential Landing Spots for Riley Leonard
Leonard played just one season at Notre Dame after transferring from Duke, but he made the most of it. The Alabama native threw for 2,861 yards, completed nearly 67% of his passes, and tossed 21 touchdowns in 2024 — all while showcasing the traits that made scouts take notice.
“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,” wrote PFSN’s Jacob Infante. “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.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints still list Derek Carr as their starter, but his shoulder injury could complicate plans for 2025. While 2024 rookie Spencer Rattler remains in the mix, New Orleans may not be sold on him as the long-term answer.
Leonard offers another developmental option — one with perhaps even more physical upside. In New Orleans, he could sit behind Carr or Rattler and develop without immediate pressure. Occasional in-game reps could accelerate his growth in a relatively low-stakes environment.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle committed to Sam Darnold with a three-year deal following a solid campaign in Minnesota, but that doesn’t mean the Seahawks are set for the long haul at quarterback.
Leonard would be an ideal developmental project behind Darnold, allowing head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff to mold him slowly into a future starter. Seattle has the pieces in place — a solid O-line, young skill talent, and low expectations for immediate production — to bring Leonard along at his own pace.
Detroit Lions
Jared Goff is entrenched as Detroit’s starter after an MVP-caliber 2024 season, and 2023 third-rounder Hendon Hooker is still waiting in the wings. But the Lions’ actions — including late-season additions like Teddy Bridgewater and free agent Kyle Allen — suggest they may not be fully sold on Hooker as the heir apparent.
Leonard would bring a higher ceiling to the backup room. With Goff under center for the foreseeable future, there’s no pressure to rush his development. This would allow Detroit to refine Leonard’s mechanics and decision-making while giving him time to absorb the playbook behind a veteran.
