For Notre Dame football fans who think that Riley Leonard was only taken in the 2025 NFL Draft because the Indianapolis Colts wanted to generate some nice buzz and take a flyer on a player that has no chance of making the roster, think again.
According to the Colts, the franchise believes there’s a real chance the former Fighting Irish star could make the roster. He might even have a real chance at embedding himself on the depth chart. Even if he’s not expected to be a starting player in 2025.
Colts believe former Notre Dame QB could carve out NFL roster spot
“The athletic ability that he has at the quarterback position, what he was able to do at Notre Dame this year in leading them to a national championship speaks volume to the player and the competitor that he is,” Steichen told the media in his post-draft press conference. “So just to add that depth in that room is big.”
“He’s a good player,” the Colts GM Chris Ballard added. “Good athlete. We think he’s got some upside. He’ll come in and compete.”
Leonard has long been considered a player that could be an electric choice for the right team mainly because he’s a true dual-threat quarterback. He threw for just under 3,000 yards this year and ran for just under 1,000 yards as well.
He’s also someone who didn’t shy away from contact. He’s not someone who runs out of bounds when he sees the tackle coming. He’s more likely to try and hurdle the defender.
Despite that approach, he played in all 16 Notre Dame football games and only missed a few offensive series with any sort of injury. That kind of toughness had NFL teams take notice, even if his arm strength and accuracy has some wondering if he can ever really be an effective NFL quarterback.