Daboll likes QBs that can run and Riley Leonard QB Notre Dame can run. He has the legs. He is Daniel jones with coordination and emotion and it wouldn't coast us a 1st round pick. If he can be an elite game manager behind a good line, he's got a bright future, worse case he would be a good back up in the NFL.
6'4" and 22 years old.
Boasts next-level ball placement and arm talent, consistently connecting with targets in stride on vertical routes; has the football IQ to read and exploit defensive schemes, making plays even when things break down.
A true field general, Leonard was instrumental in Duke's turnaround; averaging 282.0 YPG and tallying 33 TDs in a standout season, these numbers have scouts buzzing.
His pocket savviness is evident in his nimble footwork and innate ability to navigate pressure, frequently finding cleaner passing lanes and extending plays when initial designs fail.
Despite his 6'4", 209lb frame, Leonard surprises defenses with his speed. His high school track background shines through, making defenses account for his dual-threat capability
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Leonard's fearlessness is evident as he remains composed under pressure, showcasing resilience that's hard to teach. His impeccable internal clock promises well when facing NFL's blitz-hungry defenses.
While some might label him an old-school pocket passer, Leonard's ability to evade the rush and break off significant runs, including a memorable 74-yard dash against the Tarheels, speaks otherwise.
In a league pivoting towards mobile QBs, Leonard's ability to create with his legs and arm makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a dynamic signal-caller.
The Bad
Displays rawness in pocket presence; has instances of hanging his targets out to dry and not consistently leveraging his eyes to manipulate the secondary.
While flashes of timing exist, he'll occasionally sleep on the release, a concern given the absence of a cannon-like arm strength.
His mechanics hint at a need for refining under center – ranging from erratic ball placement on vertical routes to tossing ducks under pressure.
While possessing a toolbox of skills, he struggles with reading the full field at times and can telegraph his intentions to seasoned DBs.
Ball security issues are underscored with a troubling number of pass breakups at the hands of defenders during tight window attempts.
Accuracy dips considerably on bootlegs or when improvising outside of the pocket structure.
The stiffness in his release, particularly when driving the ball, leads to the occasional missed opportunity deep or overthrown targets.
Despite his potential, he seems to lack the spark or 'it factor' that sets apart the elite gunslingers in his cohort – notably seen in the depth of his passing chart metrics
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His tape against high-level competition, such as the Boston College game, fails to highlight those coveted 'wow' moments that scouts look for in franchise signal-callers.
Yes he was from Duke before transferring to ND
I am a big fan of Dart, but the Giants should look at other QBs too.
Giants should build the offensive line, add to the defense, perhaps get another RB. Leonard in the 3rd would not piss me off
Quote from: DaveBrown74 on February 08, 2025, 10:05:33 PMI'm an ND fan, and my response is "absolutely not."
Riley Leonard is a good kid and he runs very well, but he cannot throw to save his life. Hard pass.
Agreed. I love the kid and what he did for ND this year. But 3rd Round??????? Riley is headed for 6th Round or, more likely, UDFA. I wouldn't mind Giants getting him as UDFA. He is way more competent than DeVito
Sadly Daniel Jones Is a better thrower of the football than Leonard.
Quote from: Jclayton92 on February 09, 2025, 10:01:48 AMSadly Daniel Jones Is a better thrower of the football than Leonard.
Definitely true.
ND just doesn't get good (by NFL standards QBs) anymore. As a fan of the team it frustrates me, but it is simply the case. They put out plenty of very good to great NFL players who are O linemen, tight ends, and defensive players, and they have put out some solid but not elite wide receivers like Golden Tate and Will Fuller. Kyren Williams is a good RB. The school has a ton of exposure and has played in multiple playoff and championship games in the last 10-15 years, but they never seem to be able to recruit a legit, five star caliber QB with NFL starter potential anymore.