Notre Dame senior quarterback Riley Leonard is among the most intriguing mid-round signal-callers available in the 2025 NFL Draft. The fourth-year thrower is enjoying a quality season with the Fighting Irish after transferring to the program from Duke ahead of 2023. In 2024, Leonard has thrown for 2,092 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. A dual-threat QB, he's added 721 rushing yards and 14 additional scores to his offensive totals.
Leonard led Notre Dame to the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff this season. The six-seed Fighting Irish will meet No. 10 Indiana on Friday in their first-round matchup. Leonard has an opportunity to increase his pre-draft stock throughout the playoffs.
Leonard possesses dual-threat upside at the next level. He's an accurate thrower with the prototypical build for an NFL QB. We've identified three ideal team fits for Leonard via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns can't escape the Deshaun Watson contract this offseason. The troubled quarterback is slated to earn $46 million in base salary while carrying a cap charge of nearly $73 million in 2025. Watson won't be handed Cleveland's starting QB job next season, but his salary significantly limits Kevin Stefanski's options to bring in competition.
The struggling Browns are scheduled to pick No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. That's not early enough to land Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. Will Andrew Berry reach for QB3 in a weak class? The Browns are likelier to draft a mid-round quarterback. Jameis Winston probably won't return next season after being benched in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Leonard would push Watson throughout training camp.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are in a similar position. They're heading toward a messy breakup with Aaron Rodgers this offseason after both parties failed to keep their promise. The Jets aren't drafting early enough to land a rookie franchise quarterback. Perhaps they'll be players for a veteran in free agency, but the best option available is Sam Darnold, who isn't returning to East Rutherford.
Pairing a low-level bridge QB like Derek Carr (a potential cap casualty) with a mid-round quarterback would buy the Jets a season before making a longer-term commitment in the 2026 draft. It'd be worth rolling the dice on a mid-round quarterback like Leonard to test the waters. Hiring the right offensive-minded coach this offseason could install a scheme that maximizes Leonard's effectiveness.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins feel like a franchise that could softly enter the quarterback market this offseason. They're not going to aggressively pursue a replacement for Tua Tagovailoa, but they must be better prepared for his recurring injury issues than they were this season. Entering 2024 with Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle as the backup signal-callers ruined their campaign.
Leonard's dual-threat skill set would pair well with weapons like Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane, and Jaylen Waddle. Mike McDaniel would also be an appropriate head coach to oversee his pro development. Miami feels like a prime destination for a mid-round quarterback in April.
