Riley Leonard’s decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame following the 2023 season has paid off.
Through 13 games as the starting quarterback for the Irish, Leonard has led his squad to a 12-1 record, including a first-round win over Indiana in the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame’s talented defense has played a significant role in the team’s success as well, but Leonard’s 2,293 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns (compared to six interceptions) and 15 rushing scores have been vital to the Irish offense. As a dual-threat option, Leonard has become one of college football’s most effective quarterbacks in the 2024 season.
As a senior, Leonard will be out of collegiate eligibility at the end of Notre Dame’s season. Could he hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s what to know about Leonard’s draft projection and where he ranks among eligible quarterbacks.
MORE: Dillon Gabriel’s 2025 NFL mock draft projection
Riley Leonard mock draft projection
Leonard’s numbers for Notre Dame this season have been impressive, but he’s not considered a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the latest draft big board from SN’s Vinnie Iyer, Leonard does not make an appearance. Eight quarterbacks did make the list, although Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are both set to return to their respective schools in 2025. If an NFL team does select Leonard in April, he’d likely be viewed as a developmental prospect or depth option rather than as an immediate starter.
Other big boards have Leonard ranked as a lower-tier quarterback prospect, with NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus rankings considering the Notre Dame passer the No. 173 overall prospect and a projected sixth-round pick.
Leonard could certainly hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft, but in all likelihood, that won’t happen in at least the first few rounds.
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NFL Draft QB rankings 2025
Here are the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to SN’s Vinnie Iyer:
| Rank | QB | School | Overall rank |
| 1 | Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | 8 |
| 2 | Cam Ward | Miami | 9 |
| 3 | Jalen Milroe | Alabama | 18 |
| 4 | Quinn Ewers | Texas | 33 |
| 5 | Carson Beck | Georgia | 59 |
| 6 | Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | 100 |
The big board initially included Allar and Nussemeier, but with both quarterbacks recently announcing their decisions to stay in college for the 2025 season, Leonard could benefit.
Along with names like Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, or Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Leonard could be a quarterback that an NFL team takes a flier on in the later rounds due to his strong 2024 season.
Riley Leonard Mock Draft Projection: Will Notre Dame QB Get Picked in 2025 NFL Draft?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one player who is generating a lot of buzz is Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. The talented signal-caller has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the field, and many draft experts believe he has the potential to be a high draft pick.
Leonard has all the tools to succeed at the next level, with a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs. He has shown great poise under pressure and has a high football IQ, making him a top prospect for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
In mock drafts leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Leonard has been projected to go anywhere from the first round to the early second round. Some experts believe he could be a top-10 pick, while others see him as a mid-first round selection.
Ultimately, Leonard’s draft stock will depend on how he performs in his final season at Notre Dame and during the pre-draft process. If he continues to impress scouts and coaches, there is a good chance he will hear his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Only time will tell where Riley Leonard ends up, but one thing is for certain – he has the talent and potential to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. Keep an eye on Leonard as the draft approaches, as he could be one of the biggest stories of the 2025 draft class.
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Riley Leonard, Notre Dame QB, 2025 NFL Draft, mock draft projection, draft prospects, NFL prospects, quarterback prospects, college football, draft analysis, NFL draft predictions
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