The Colts selected Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fulfilling the NFL dreams of the Fairhope, Ala. product.
Leonard is an intriguing prospect who possesses a good combination of size and athleticism. While his accuracy and touch throwing the ball could use some developing, he set a school record with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2024, and the Colts could use him in some running packages right away.
Leonard will join one of the most intriguing quarterback rooms in the NFL, as no Indianapolis signal-caller has been able to establish himself during his career. Indianapolis has struggled to solidify a long-term answer at the position since Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season.
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The rookie from Notre Dame will be competing for playing time with the Colts’ 2023 first-round pick and another former first-round pick who was signed in the offseason. Could he surprise some evaluators and emerge as the franchise quarterback in Indianapolis?
Here’s what to know about Riley Leonard and the Colts quarterback depth chart.
Which team drafted Riley Leonard?
The Colts selected Leonard at No. 189 overall. He was the ninth quarterback to come off the board, four picks behind Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback who outdueled Leonard in the national championship game.
Leonard was one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the draft. He made 37 college starts across, including four in the College Football Playoff this past year. Leonard played his first three seasons at Duke before transferring to Notre Dame before his senior year.
Colts QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1. | Anthony Richardson |
| 2. | Daniel Jones |
| 3. | Riley Leonard |
| 4. | Jason Bean |
Leonard will start at No. 3 on the Colts’ quarterback depth chart, with Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones in front of him.
Richardson has had a tumultuous first two seasons after he was selected No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida. While he possesses some of the most freakish athleticism and arm talent in the NFL, he hasn’t been able to stay on the field or consistently produce with his arm. Richardson played in just four games as a rookie and 11 in his second season, when he threw only eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Jones will be the backup after the Colts signed him to a 1-year, $14 million deal this offseason. He had his struggles in New York with the Giants, getting benched and released before the end of last season. Indianapolis hopes a change of scenery can help him return to his form from 2022-23 when he led the Giants to a playoff win over the Vikings.
Between Richardson’s injury struggles and Jones’ inconsistency, Leonard could have the opportunity to play sooner than expected. He needs to improve his processing of coverages, but the Colts clearly believe he has potential.
