The Indianapolis Colts used to be a franchise that did not frequently draft quarterbacks. As of late, however, they have been drafting quarterbacks in search of stability. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Riley Leonard in the 6th round. With so much talk surrounding the Colts current quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, bringing a rookie into the mix was not on anyone’s radar. This is not to say that Leonard will be a potential starter in 2025. However, this is to say that the Colts might have some tangible plans with Leonard, especially considering they still do not have a consistent and reliable starting quarterback yet.
Riley Leonard is not ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL anytime soon. Nonetheless, with his 6-4 frame and athleticism, he could be a key asset on a team as a viable backup who can manage an offense. Time will tell if the Colts got a steal with this pick. Although backup quarterbacks are often overlooked, they are some of the most important positions not on the field.
How Riley Leonard Will Fit Well With the Colts
Leonard’s Connection to the Colts Organization
Leonard Riley has an interesting connection to the Colts organization. For starters, Leonard grew up a few minutes from Philip Rivers, who played for the Colts in 2020. He served as a mentor to Leonard and helped him develop as a quarterback at Notre Dame. Shane Steichen, the Colts head coach, spent six years with Philip Rivers as an assistant coach. Needless to say, Leonard should feel right at home in Indianapolis as he played in college in Indiana, and already has ties to the organization in direct and indirect ways. Watching his development will be interesting to see in the next several years.
Leonard’s Ability to Be a Backup Game Manager
Riley Leonard is a long and lanky quarterback with a 6-4, 216 lb frame. According to his NFL.com combine analysis, he is considered a “gritty runner” who received an athleticism score of 85, which ranked fourth among quarterbacks at the combine. Leonard should not be confused with the prototypical running quarterback, as he is not that fast. He is, however, agile and quick in the pocket and has good mobility when needed, especially on short yardage.
All in all, Leonard possesses many of the same traits that Colts former third-string quarterback, Sam Ehlinger, had. Ehlinger was a solid backup quarterback who possessed good movement inside and outside the pocket, while also managing an offense. Ehlinger’s best moments came in the preseason as he rarely saw time on the field during the regular season. For Leonard, the key will be his ability to shine during training camp and preseason. Again, Leonard is not in the conversation to compete for the starting job, but he can become a solid backup. If Daniel Jones does not earn the starting spot this year and leaves in 2026, the Colts will need a backup. The same will be true if Anthony Richardson does not earn the starting spot.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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