FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Colts Add Sixth Round QB Riley Leonard

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 26 2025 8:23 PM UTC

The Indianapolis Colts selected Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard with the 189th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Leonard emerged as Duke’s starter in 2022. The sophomore earned an honorable mention All-ACC selection, popping as a dual-threat athlete. His 776 rushing yards ranked seventh nationally among QBs, although he threw for only 228 yards per game on 7.6 yards per attempt. Toe and ankle injuries limited Leonard to just seven games in 2023, and he needed two procedures to stabilize the ankle. Leonard transferred to Notre Dame ahead of the 2024 campaign and stayed healthy, running for 982 yards and 17 TDs. But he didn’t progress much as a passer. Leonard averaged 179 passing yards per game on 7.1 yards per attempt, ranking 48th in Pro Football Focus passing grade among 128 qualifying QBs. His rushing ability would make him an intriguing fantasy asset if he gets on the field as a pro. But Leonard is unlikely to develop into an NFL-caliber passer. He projects as a long-term backup.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Leonard was a run first QB at Duke and Notre Dame

He doesn't have the best arm, but fits as a back-up to Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones with some development.

Dynasty Impact

Leonard could be developed into something with his leadership and feet.

If he does get a shot to play, Leonard's rushing gives him real fantasy upside.

He isn't worth taking, but keep an eye in deep Superflex leagues.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.