Riley Leonard wasn’t drafted by the Indianapolis Colts just to fill a roster spot. The sixth-round pick from Notre Dame has come in with purpose — and he’s already showing flashes that could change how Indianapolis views its quarterback depth.
Leonard “uncorked a” touchdown bomb to DJ Montgomery at training camp this week. It was the kind of throw that turns heads — a perfectly placed deep ball that traveled over 50 yards in the air. The crowd erupted. And the Colts’ staff took notice.
While Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are atop the QB depth chart, Leonard’s doing more than the typical rookie slotted behind two veterans, he’s preparing to compete, and continue to be “a man of the people” at training camp.
Leonard Is Showing Off His Skill Set Amid Richardson’s QB1 Dominance
When the Colts selected Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many assumed he was a long-term project. But the 22-year-old arrives with real credentials.
Last season at Notre Dame, Leonard led the Irish to a national championship appearance in the College Football Playoff, putting together his best year in college.
He completed 269 passes for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding 906 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground. His dual-threat production stood out — especially after transferring from Duke, where he started for three years.
“He’s an ascending player,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said this week, via On3 Sports. “He’s not near his ceiling. He can continue to improve, which is intriguing for the NFL.”
Leonard’s blend of mobility and arm strength has already shown up in camp. The deep strike to Montgomery wasn’t just a lucky play. It was the type of high-level execution coaches want to see in a young quarterback learning the system.
The Colts aren’t rushing Leonard. Richardson is still viewed as the long-term starter, and Jones was brought in as a veteran option. But neither has a firm grip on the job beyond 2025.
Richardson’s first two seasons have been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Jones, who joined the Colts after stints with the Giants and Vikings, is still trying to regain form. That leaves the door cracked open.
Leonard is using that as fuel. He’s already shown chemistry with rookie tight end Tyler Warren and running back DJ Giddens — two other young weapons expected to contribute this season. The more he settles in, the more intriguing his role becomes.
Colts Monitoring Leonard’s Development
Colts staff will be watching closely as Leonard progresses through training camp and preseason. His physical tools fit the offense. He plays a similar style to both Richardson and Jones. That’s no accident — the Colts want depth that doesn’t force them to change the scheme.
Leonard won’t be handed a role. But if he continues to make plays like the one he delivered this week, he’ll force the conversation.
He’ll get his next big opportunity when preseason reps ramp up. But for now, he’s already ahead of where most expected — and making it clear that the Colts may have gotten more than just a depth piece.
Colts Rookie QB ‘A Man Of The People’ Early In Training Camp