Riley Leonard Draft Profile | Duke, QB Scouting Report

    Does Duke QB Riley Leonard have the necessary upside to earn Round 1 capital in the 2024 NFL Draft? As his scouting report shows, more growth can get him there.

    Could Duke QB Riley Leonard throw his hat into the Round 1 conversation in the 2024 NFL Draft cycle? Past the top two passers, the 2024 NFL Draft QB class is wide open, and Leonard might just have the scouting report to command early-round capital as a potential franchise signal-caller.

    Riley Leonard Draft Profile and Measurements

    • Height: 6’4″
    • Weight: 212 pounds
    • Position: Quarterback
    • School: Duke
    • Current Year: Junior

    Years of scouting the NFL Draft have revealed that, while physical tools are important for differentiating potential NFL starters at quarterback, having the mental acuity and mindset of a starting QB is just as vital. That’s something Leonard — Duke’s ascending starting QB — appears to have in spades.

    A team captain as a true junior, Leonard is only regarded as humble and measured by those who know him. But on the field, he’s competitive and productive.

    In his true sophomore season — his first year as a starter — he completed 250 of 392 attempts (63.8%) for 2,967 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six picks and tacked on almost 700 yards and 13 additional scores on the ground.

    Now, just a half-decade after the Blue Devils saw Daniel Jones go sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft to the New York Giants, Leonard himself could be another potential first-round pick, with real estate to take control of behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. Does he have what it takes to get there?

    Riley Leonard Scouting Report

    Strengths

    • Has a lean, prototypical build and possesses all of the necessary physical tools.
    • Has great arm strength, challenging the hashes and rocketing throws into windows.
    • Arm angles are freely adjustable, enabling him to layer pace and touch on throws.
    • Exceptional athlete and creator with explosiveness, speed, and plus change of direction.
    • Shows a level of command pre-snap and flashes post-snap recognition and anticipation.
    • Has the capacity to work laterally on progressions and pick out boundary windows.
    • Naturally able to place short RAC passes with situational precision, minimizing contact.
    • Provides glimpses of spectacular situational precision and trajectory manipulation.
    • Instinctive pocket navigator who can snake through lanes and stand tall under pressure.
    • Has shown he can acquire mechanical synergy ahead of throws and torque his hips.
    • Congruent, crisp rotational thrower when his rhythm isn’t disrupted.
    • Maintains an awareness of his checkdowns and can quickly divert when blitzed.
    • Has good competitive toughness and doesn’t shy away from contact as a runner.

    Weaknesses

    • Arm strength and elasticity both fall short of the elite mark.
    • Velocity wanes when pressing farther downfield or when passing off-platform.
    • Composure in tight pockets is inconsistent; struggles to hold mechanics in congestion.
    • Direct pressure threats from the interior can induce hesitation and collapse plays.
    • Can be sporadic and uncontrolled with footwork in pressure situations.
    • Frantic feet can tug shoulders out of alignment, causing launch-point instability.
    • Prone to erroneous misses with inconsistent down-to-down mechanics.
    • At times, lack of hip drive can cause downward shoulder tilt and low misses.
    • Still learning how to process pressure and the field simultaneously.
    • Sometimes hesitates when testing windows and can be quicker to anticipate.

    Current Draft Projection and Summary

    Off of preseason viewings, Leonard grades out as a mid-to-late Day 2 prospect on my current board, but he does have the necessary physical talent to ascend into the Round 1 range with another year of growth and production.

    Like most young passers, Leonard still has room to develop as a processor. There are flashes of anticipation and progression work, but he can be more consistent. Additionally, working against pressure has proven to be a tumultuous endeavor — both mentally and mechanically.

    Interestingly, Leonard is a very instinctive pocket navigator when it comes to space management, but maintaining mechanical congruence amidst pressure has proven challenging. Leonard’s mechanics in closing pockets can be volatile, and by extension, so too can his accuracy and precision. More experience may help strengthen his composure.

    Leonard needs to take another step operationally to reach his ceiling as a prospect, but the physical foundation is there.

    He’s a stellar athlete and creator at 6’4″, 212 pounds, with enough arm strength to generate velocity in the short and intermediate ranges and stretch the field diagonally, and he also has the easy arm elasticity to adjust his throwing angles and layer passes.

    Though his physical foundation isn’t quantifiably elite, Leonard safely passes the talent threshold of a potential NFL starter in the modern age, and some of the glimpses he shows on the operational side — regarding ball placement, poise, and anticipation — are very inspiring. With more growth and consistency, he could vie for the QB3 spot.

    NFL Draft Scouting Reports

    Using the table below, browse NFL Draft scouting profiles for hundreds of draft prospects so you can get a head start on the 2024 NFL Draft.

    Don’t forget to check out our Mock Draft Simulator, where you can take control of your favorite NFL team and build its roster for the future!

    You can sort the table below by player, team, or position. For mobile users, this table is best viewed in landscape mode.

    PlayerPositionTeamTarget
    Aidan RobbinsRBBYUAidan Robbins Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/aidan-robbins-draft-scouting-2024/
    Ainias SmithWR/RBTexas A&MAinias Smith Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/ainias-smith-draft-scouting-2024/
    Andrew MukubaSClemsonAndrew Mukuba Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/andrew-mukuba-draft-scouting-2024/
    Anthony GouldWROregon StateAnthony Gould Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/anthony-gould-draft-scouting-2024/
    Antwane Wells Jr.WRSouth CarolinaAntwane Wells Jr. Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/antwane-wells-jr-draft-scouting-2024/
    Audric EstiméRBNotre Dame
    Audric Estimé Scouting Report
    https://www.profootballnetwork.com/audric-estime-draft-scouting-2024/
    Austin JonesRBUSCAustin Jones Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/austin-jones-draft-scouting-2024/
    Austin ReedQBWestern KentuckyAustin Reed Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/austin-reed-draft-scouting-2024/
    Barrett CarterLBClemsonBarrett Carter Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/barrett-carter-draft-scouting-2024/
    Blake CorumRBMichiganBlake Corum Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/blake-corum-draft-scouting-2024/
    Blake WatsonRBMemphisBlake Watson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/blake-watson-draft-profile-memphis-rb-scouting-report/
    Bo NixQBOregonBo Nix Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/bo-nix-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Braelon AllenRBWisconsinBraelon Allen Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/braelon-allen-draft-scouting-2024/
    Brenden RiceWRUSCBrenden Rice Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/brenden-rice-draft-scouting-2024/
    Brennan ArmstrongQBNC StateBrennan Armstrong Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/brennan-armstrong-draft-scouting-2024/
    Brock BowersTEGeorgiaBrock Bowers Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/brock-bowers-draft-scouting-2024/
    Bucky IrvingRBOregonBucky Irving Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/bucky-irving-draft-scouting-2024/
    Cade StoverTEOhio StateCade Stover Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/cade-stover-draft-scouting-2024/
    Caleb WilliamsQBUSCCaleb Williams Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/caleb-williams-draft-scouting-2024/
    Cameron RisingQBUtahCameron Rising Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/cameron-rising-draft-scouting-2024/
    Cameron WardQBWashington StateCameron Ward Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/cameron-ward-draft-scouting-2024/
    Carson BeckQBGeorgiaCarson Beck Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/carson-beck-draft-scouting-2024/
    Carson SteeleRBUCLACarson Steele Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/carson-steele-draft-scouting-2024/
    Chop RobinsonEDGEPenn StateChop Robinson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/chop-robinson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Chris TyreeWRNotre DameChris Tyree Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/chris-tyree-draft-scouting-2024/
    Cornelius JohnsonWRMichiganCornelius Johnson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/cornelius-johnson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Dallas TurnerEDGEAlabamaDallas Turner Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/dallas-turner-draft-scouting-2024/
    Denzel BurkeCBOhio StateDenzel Burke Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/denzel-burke-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Devin LearyQBKentuckyDevin Leary Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/devin-leary-draft-scouting-2024/
    Dillon GabrielQBOklahomaDillon Gabriel Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/dillon-gabriel-draft-scouting-2024/
    DJ UiagaleleiQBOregon StateDJ Uiagalelei Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/dj-uiagalelei-draft-scouting-2024/
    Donovan EdwardsRBMichiganDonovan Edwards Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/donovan-edwards-draft-scouting-2024/
    Donovan SmithQBHoustonDonovan Smith Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/donovan-smith-draft-scouting-2024/
    Dorian SingerWRUSCDorian Singer Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/dorian-singer-draft-scouting-2024/
    Drake MayeQBNorth CarolinaDrake Maye Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/drake-maye-draft-scouting-2024/
    Emeka EgbukaWROhio StateEmeka Egbuka Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/emeka-egbuka-draft-scouting-2024/
    Garrett ShraderQBSyracuseGarrett Shrader Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/garrett-shrader-draft-scouting-2024/
    Gavin HardisonQBUTEPGavin Hardison Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/gavin-hardison-draft-scouting-2024/
    George HolaniRBBoise StateGeorge Holani Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/george-holani-draft-scouting-2024/
    Grayson McCallQBCoastal CarolinaGrayson McCall Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/grayson-mccall-draft-scouting-2024/
    Hudson CardQBPurdueHudson Card Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/hudson-card-draft-scouting-2024/
    Isaiah NeyorWRTexasIsaiah Neyor Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/isaiah-neyor-draft-scouting-2024/
    J.J. McCarthyQBMichiganJ.J. McCarthy Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jj-mccarthy-draft-scouting-2024/
    J.T. TuimoloauEDGEOhio StateJ.T. Tuimoloau Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/j-t-tuimoloau-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Jalen BergerRBMichigan StateJalen Berger Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalen-berger-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jalen McMillanWRWashingtonJalen McMillan Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalen-mcmillan-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jalon DanielsQBKansasJalon Daniels Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-daniels-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jared VerseEDGEFlorida StateJared Verse Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jared-verse-scouting-draft-2024/
    Jase McClellanRBAlabamaJase McClellan Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jase-mcclellan-draft-scouting-2024/
    Javon BakerWRUCFJavon Baker Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/javon-baker-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jayden DanielsQBLSUJayden Daniels Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jayden-daniels-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jeff SimsQBNebraskaJeff Sims Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jeff-sims-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jermaine BurtonWRAlabamaJermaine Burton Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jermaine-burton-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jer'Zhan NewtonDTIllinoisJer'Zhan Newton Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jerzhan-newton-draft-scouting-2024/
    Joe AltOTNotre DameJoe Alt Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/joe-alt-draft-scouting-2024/
    Joe MiltonQBTennesseeJoe Milton Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/joe-milton-draft-scouting-2024/
    John Rhys PlumleeQBUCFJohn Rhys Plumlee Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/john-rhys-plumlee-draft-scouting-2024/
    Johnny WilsonWRFlorida StateJohnny Wilson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/johnny-wilson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jo'Quavious MarksRBMississippi StateJo'Quavious Marks Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/joquavious-marks-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jordan TravisQBFlorida StateJordan Travis Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jordan-travis-draft-scouting-2024/
    Jordan WhittingtonWRTexasJordan Whittington Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/jordan-whittington-draft-scouting-2024/
    Kalen KingCBPenn StateKalen King Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kalen-king-draft-scouting-2024/
    Kamari LassiterCBGeorgiaKamari Lassiter Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kamari-lassiter-draft-scouting-2024/
    Kamren KinchensSMiami (FL)Kamren Kinchens Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kamren-kinchens-draft-scouting-2024/
    Keith Randolph Jr.DTIllinoisKeith Randolph Jr. Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-randolph-jr-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Kendall MiltonRBGeorgiaKendall Milton Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kendall-milton-draft-scouting-2024/
    Keon ColemanWRFlorida StateKeon Coleman Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/keon-coleman-draft-scouting-2024/
    KJ JeffersonQBArkansasKJ Jefferson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kj-jefferson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Kool-Aid McKinstryCBAlabamaKool-Aid McKinstry Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kool-aid-mckinstry-draft-scouting-2024/
    Kurtis RourkeQBOhioKurtis Rourke Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/kurtis-rourke-draft-scouting-2024/
    Ladd McConkeyWRGeorgiaLadd McConkey Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/ladd-mcconkey-draft-scouting-2024/
    Maason SmithDTLSUMaason Smith Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/maason-smith-draft-scouting-2024/
    Malachi CorleyWRWestern KentuckyMalachi Corley Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/?p=389162&preview=true&preview_id=389162
    Malik NabersWRLSUMalik Nabers Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/malik-nabers-draft-scouting-2024/
    Mario WilliamsWRUSCMario Williams Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/mario-williams-draft-scouting-2024/
    MarShawn LloydRBUSCMarShawn Lloyd Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/marshawn-lloyd-draft-scouting-2024/
    Marvin Harrison Jr.WROhio StateMarvin Harrison Jr. Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/marvin-harrison-draft-scouting-2024/
    Michael Penix Jr.QBWashingtonMichael Penix Jr. Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/michael-penix-jr-draft-scouting-2024/
    Michael PrattQBTulaneMichael Pratt Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/michael-pratt-draft-scouting-2024/
    Moose Muhammad IIIWRTexas A&MMoose Muhammad III Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/moose-muhammad-iii-draft-scouting-2024/
    Noah WhittingtonRBOregonNoah Whittington Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/noah-whittington-draft-scouting-2024/
    Olu FashanuOTPenn StateOlu Fashanu Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/olu-fashanu-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Phil JurkovecQBPittsburghPhil Jurkovec Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/phil-jurkovec-draft-scouting-2024/
    Princely UmanmielenEDGEFloridaPrincely Umanmielen Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/princely-umanmielen-draft-scouting-2024/
    Quinn EwersQBTexasQuinn Ewers Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/quinn-ewers-draft-scouting-2024/
    Raheim SandersRBArkansasRaheim Sanders Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/raheim-sanders-draft-scouting-2024/
    Ricky PearsallWRFloridaRicky Pearsall Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/ricky-pearsall-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Riley LeonardQBDukeRiley Leonard Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/riley-leonard-draft-scouting-2024/
    Roman WilsonWRMichiganRoman Wilson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/roman-wilson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Rome OdunzeWRWashingtonRome Odunze Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/rome-odunze-draft-scouting-2024/
    Sam HartmanQBNotre DameSam Hartman Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/sam-hartman-draft-scouting-2024/
    Spencer RattlerQBSouth CarolinaSpencer Rattler Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/spencer-rattler-draft-scouting-2024/
    Tahj WashingtonWRUSCTahj Washington Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/tahj-washington-draft-scouting-2024/
    Taulia TagovailoaQBMarylandTaulia Tagovailoa Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/taulia-tagovailoa-draft-scouting-2024/
    Treshaun WardRBKansas StateTreshaun Ward Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/treshaun-ward-draft-scouting-2024/
    TreVeyon HendersonRBOhio StateTreVeyon Henderson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/treveyon-henderson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Trey BensonRBFlorida StateTrey Benson Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/trey-benson-draft-scouting-2024/
    Trey SandersRBTCUTrey Sanders Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/trey-sanders-draft-scouting-2024/
    Troy FranklinWROregonTroy Franklin Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/troy-franklin-draft-scouting-2024/
    Tyler ShoughQBTexas TechTyler Shough Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/tyler-shough-draft-scouting-2024/
    Tyler Van DykeQBMiami (FL)Tyler Van Dyke Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/tyler-van-dyke-draft-scouting-2024/
    Ulysses Bentley IVRBOle MissUlysses Bentley IV Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/ulysses-bentley-iv-draft-scouting-2024/
    Will HowardQBKansas StateWill Howard Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-howard-draft-scouting-2024/
    Will RogersQBMississippi StateWill Rogers Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-rogers-draft-scouting-2024/
    Will SheppardWRVanderbiltWill Sheppard Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-sheppard-draft-scouting-2024/
    Will ShipleyRBClemsonWill Shipley Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-shipley-draft-scouting-2024/
    Xavier LegetteWRSouth CarolinaXavier Legette Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/xavier-legette-draft-scouting-report-2024/
    Xavier WorthyWRTexasXavier Worthy Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/xavier-worthy-draft-scouting-2024/

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