Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Riley Leonard of Notre Dame (13) warms up during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Colts Select QB Riley Leonard with 189th Pick in Draft

Originally posted on Indianapolis Colts on SI
By Jake Arthur | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 4:29 PM ET

With the 189th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.

Leonard (6'4", 216) is fresh off of an accomplished college career that took him from Duke to Notre Dame and an appearance in the most recent National Championship. He's a multi-dimensional QB, also rushing for over 2,100 yards and 36 touchdowns.

FIT WITH THE COLTS

The Colts have been looking into Leonard throughout the pre-draft process. Colts head coach Shane Steichen attended Riley's Notre Dame pro day and spoke with him one-on-one at the event. The pair also have relationships with former Colts quarterback Philip Rivers. Leonard has been trained by him, and Steichen was a former coach of Rivers' with the Los Angeles Chargers.

As a passer, Leonard is more of a quick-strike Gardner Minshew type whose strength lies in the RPO game. As a runner, think Daniel Jones.

Leonard joins a QB group featuring Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Jason Bean. Jones and Richardson will compete for the starting role while Leonard and Bean battle for whatever role remains as the roster's QB3 or a practice squader.