Riley Leonard mock draft projection: Will Notre Dame QB be selected in 2025 NFL Draft?

Riley Leonard’s decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame after the 2023 season has paid off.

Through 13 games as the starting quarterback for the Irish, Leonard has led his team to a 12-1 record, including a first-round win over Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame’s talented defense has also played a significant role in the team’s success, but Leonard’s 2,293 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns (compared to six interceptions) and 15 rushing scores have been key to the Irish offense. As a dual-threat option, Leonard has become one of college football’s most effective quarterbacks heading into 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 you need to know about Leonard’s draft projection and where he ranks among qualified quarterbacks.

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Riley Leonard mock draft projection

Leonard’s numbers for Notre Dame this season have been impressive, but he is not considered a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

In the latest big board draft from SN’s Vinnie Iyer, Leonard does not appear. Eight quarterbacks made the list, though 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 selects Leonard in April, he would likely be considered a developmental or depth prospect. option rather than as an immediate starter.

Other major boards have Leonard ranked as a lower-tier quarterback prospect, with NFL Mock Draft Database consensus rankings considering the Notre Dame passer, 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 it won’t happen for 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:

The big board originally included Allar and Nussemeier, but with both quarterbacks recently announcing their decisions to stay in college through 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 because of his strong 2024 season.