INDIANAPOLIS — Quarterback Riley Leonard helped elevate Notre Dame during its run to the national title game last season.
Now, he’ll try to take the next step in his football journey.
Leonard was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the NFL draft (189th overall), becoming the latest quarterback to join a team with an uncertain immediate future at the position.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard had said in recent weeks that quarterback was among the positions the Colts were considering in the draft, even despite the presence of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, who are expected to battle for the starting job prior to next season.
Leonard is not regarded for having the strongest arm, but he does offer toughness, mobility and football intelligence that he said helped make him appealing to the Colts.
“I think a couple things that they enjoyed was, No. 1, my ability to extend plays and make plays as a playmaker,” said Leonard, who spent time with Colts coach Shane Steichen and others during Notre Dame’s pro day. “I think they like my preparation and the way that I handle things off the field. I think the intangibles are something that I can take advantage of and help the quarterback room in whatever way possible.”
The Colts had shown significant interest in former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was still on the board when Leonard was selected.
Leonard figures to have a shot to be the No. 3 quarterback in Indianapolis this season given the investments made in Richardson and Jones. But the long-term future in Indianapolis beyond 2025 remains unclear with Jones on a one-year contract and the Colts seemingly wavering on their commitment to Richardson.
Leonard won offensive most valuable player in the Allstate Sugar Bowl and Capital One Orange Bowl last season, then threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns in the national-title-game loss to Ohio State.
During his three seasons at Duke and one season at Notre Dame, Leonard threw for 7,311 yards, 45 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and completed 63.7% of his attempts. He also rushed for 2,130 yards and 36 touchdowns.
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