Colts Round 6, Pick 189: Notre Dame Quarterback Riley Leonard
Colts Round 6, Pick 189 Recap: Notre Dame Quarterback Riley Leonard
INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time since Sam Ehlinger in 2021, the Colts took a quarterback on Day 3.
With the 189th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Colts took Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in Round Six.
Here are 3 takeaways on Leonard:
Super Character, Dual Athlete
In quarterbacking Notre Dame to the national title, Leonard was lauded for his dual-threat playmaking and impressive character makeup. Just go back and watch the opening drive of the national title to see what Leonard was able to do with his legs. Shane Steichen attended the Notre Dame pro day, so he got a glimpse into what Leonard is all about. Leonard transferred to Notre Dame after playing at Duke. Leonard does have a connection with Philip Rivers, with both hailing from Fairhope, Alabama.
Third Quarterback Job Open
At best, Riley Leonard’s 2025 role with the Colts will be as the team’s 3rd quarterback, with Jason Bean still on the roster. Leonard is definitely a developmental thrower of the football. He struggled with accuracy and had questionable decision making, at key moments, during his lone season at Notre Dame. Of course, reps are going to be hard to come by with the Colts in 2025, given the competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
Quarterback Pick On Day 3
For just the 3rd time since 2012, the Colts have spent a Day 3 draft pick at quarterback. While quarterbacks reps for a 3rd QB (or 4th if you count Jason Bean still on the roster) aren’t abundant, don’t underestimate another arm for that room. Anthony Richardson’s health is still a certain question, so if an injury occurs and Daniel Jones is the starter (due to injury and/or by winning the competition) you will need a new backup, with Sam Ehlinger now in Denver.
