The Indianapolis Colts had a few quarterbacks in for visits during the pre-draft process, so it’s not surprising that they selected that position in the 2025 NFL draft.

But what was it about Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard that stood out?

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“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,” area scout Mike Lacy said via the Indy Star.

Overall, in 2024, which was Leonard’s first with Notre Dame, he had his most efficient season, completing 66.4% of his passes. Leonard would also go on to throw for 2,851 yards at 7.0 yards per attempt with 21 touchdowns to eight interceptions. He was very good at taking care of the ball, ranking 12th in turnover-worthy play rate among all quarterbacks.

As Lacy mentioned, in Notre Dame’s biggest late-season games, Leonard had some of his best performances. 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.

Then 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.

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Beyond his passing game production, Leonard was also highly effective as a ball carrier, totaling 982 yards on the ground at 5.7 yards per attempt.

“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.

The Colts‘ quarterback competition this summer will still be between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, but regardless of who wins that battle, until we see otherwise, there are going to be unknowns at this position, and not only in 2025 but beyond as well.

While no team should bank on their Day 3 draft pick being more than a backup, when there is uncertainty–regardless of the position–it’s good to give yourself as many options as possible.

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“He’s got the physical ability to be much more than a No. 3,” Lacy added. “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.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Why Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard was on Colts’ radar