5 Things to know about Indianapolis Colts' sixth-round pick QB Riley Leonard

USA Today

08-05-2025

5 Things to know about Indianapolis Colts' sixth-round pick QB Riley Leonard Let's take a closer look at Riley Leonard with five things you need to know about the newest Colts' quarterback.
In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
Let's take a closer look at Leonard with five things you need to know about the newest Colts' quarterback:
An efficient 2024 season
The 2024 season was Leonard's first at Notre Dame, and it was the most efficient of his career. According to PFF, Leonard would complete a career high 66.4% of his passes, which ranked in the top 15 among eligible quarterbacks. In addition to that, he did a good job of taking care of the football, ranking 12th in turnover-worthy play rate.
Making plays in the run game
Along with Leonard throwing for 2,851 yards, he also rushed for 982 yards last season and averaged 7.0 yards per rush. Among all college quarterbacks, Leonard's total rushing yards were the eighth-most in 2024, and his 17 touchdowns were tied for the fifth-most. That mobility element is an important factor within Shane Steichen's offense.
"I just think the athletic ability that he has at the quarterback position, what he was able to do at Notre Dame this year, leading them to the National Championship (game) speaks volumes of the player and the competitor that he is," Shane Steichen said.
Leonard has worked out with former Colts' QB Phillip Rivers
Over the last year, Leonard has worked out on a few occasions with Phillip Rivers. Leonard's parents live in Fairhope, Alabama, which is also where Rivers calls home.
Prior to the 2024 season, Leoard and several Notre Dame pass-catchers visited Rivers at his home and ran routes on the turf field in his backyard. Then, during the pre-draft process, Leonard spent additional time with Rivers.
"The thing about Riley," said Rivers on the 'Last Word' podcast, "he's going to do all those things right. He's going to be there early. He's going to end up being an asset to the whole quarterback room in terms of preparing the starter for the season, all while he's getting himself better. It'll be a good working environment for Riley and Shane (Steichen) and that offensive staff — I know a handful of those guys as well — they'll do a heck of a job."
Playing his best in big games
One of the many things about Leonard that caught the Colts' attention was his performance in Notre Dame's biggest games during the College Football Playoffs. Leonard's 223 passing yards against Penn State in the College Football Playoffs were his third-highest total of the season, and his 9.3 yards per attempt was also his third-best mark of the year.
In the National Championship Game vs. Ohio State, Leonard threw for 255 yards, a season-high, completed 71% of his throws, and averaged 8.2 yards per attempt, according to PFF.
What one Colts' scout had to say about Leonard
Mike Lacy, area scout: "'He played his best ball down the stretch as well, but I think seeing him one last time, at his Pro Day, watching him in-person, kind of polished-up mechanically, seeing him live, seeing his arm strength, what he has to offer physically, I think that definitely kind of put the stamp on him as a player," Lacy said via the Indy Star.
'He's got the physical ability to be much more than a No. 3. I think that's kind of what he's going to be coming in as. He's going to find his way. He's going to learn, be a sponge, soak things up and be ready to go. We're excited about what he can be, that's for sure.'