What was it about Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard that stood out to the Colts in the 2025 NFL draft?<\/p>\n
The Indianapolis Colts <\/a>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.<\/p>\n But what was it about Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard that stood out?<\/p>\n \u201cHe 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\u00a0via the Indy Star.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n