In the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots stunned many by opting not to select Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, a talent widely regarded as “unique” and a potential ideal backup for the team. This decision has sparked heated debates and questions about the Patriots’ roster-building strategy, especially as they focus on strengthening their offense around young star Drake Maye.
Riley Leonard – Notre Dame’s Raw Gem
Riley Leonard, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback, left a significant mark during the 2024 season with Notre Dame. He led the team to the national championship game, though they ultimately fell to Ohio State. With his versatile playing style, Leonard was not just a traditional quarterback but also a genuine threat on the ground. He recorded 906 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. His passing stats were equally impressive, boasting a 66.7% completion rate, 2,861 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions throughout the season.
Beyond his skills, Leonard was praised for his leadership and resilience. He earned Offensive MVP honors in high-stakes games like the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Capital One Orange Bowl. These qualities made Leonard an attractive option for teams seeking a backup quarterback with the potential to develop and adapt in various situations.
Patriots and the Need for a Strong Quarterback Depth Chart
The Patriots entered the 2025 NFL Draft confident that they had found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, who is expected to lead the offense for years to come. However, given the NFL’s grueling nature, having a reliable backup is critical to ensure the team isn’t left vulnerable if Maye suffers an injury or a dip in form.
Currently, the Patriots have Joshua Dobbs as their backup quarterback. Dobbs is a steady option but lacks the creativity or ability to produce game-changing plays. Many experts believed a quarterback like Leonard, with his versatility and developmental upside, would have been a perfect addition to head coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Leonard could not only learn from Maye and Dobbs but also bring diversity to the offensive playbook, particularly in situations requiring his running ability or designed specialty plays.
Why Did the Patriots Pass on Leonard?
Despite Leonard being projected as a sensible mid-to-late-round pick, the Patriots chose not to invest in the quarterback position. Instead, they prioritized bolstering other areas, such as the offensive line (with selections like offensive tackle Will Campbell and running back TreVeyon Henderson) and defense. Some reports suggest the Patriots are content with Dobbs and plan to sign an undrafted free-agent quarterback for long-term development, as hinted by personnel director Eliot Wolf.
However, this decision has not been without controversy. According to Sports Illustrated’s Ounpraseuth, Leonard would have been an ideal fit for the Patriots. “He knows his role, and his versatility perfectly suits the backup quarterback position,” Ounpraseuth wrote. Leonard could even have been utilized in specific packages, leveraging his rushing ability to catch opponents off guard.
On the other hand, some argue that the Patriots didn’t see enough NFL-level potential in Leonard. Despite his many strengths, Leonard is still considered a “raw gem” with limitations in reading defenses and maintaining pocket tempo. This may have led the Patriots to believe he wasn’t worth the investment compared to other positions, such as kicker Andres Borregales or cornerback Kobee Minor, whom they selected in later rounds.
Indianapolis Colts Capitalize
While the Patriots passed on the opportunity, the Indianapolis Colts quickly seized Riley Leonard in the sixth round, pick 189. This move is widely seen as a steal for the Colts, who acquired a high-upside quarterback at a low cost. Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who personally scouted Leonard at Notre Dame’s Pro Day, was particularly impressed by his ability to extend plays and his off-field intangibles. Leonard is expected to develop into a dependable backup or even a spot starter in the future.
The excitement surrounding the Colts’ selection of Leonard only amplifies the controversy over the Patriots’ decision. A post on X from the Notre Dame Football Stats & Analytics account highlighted that Leonard had a 25.2% forced missed tackle rate, ranking in the top 91% of quarterbacks in NFL Draft data. This underscores that he is not only an exceptional athlete but also capable of creating unpredictable plays.
Will the Patriots Regret It?
At this stage, it’s difficult to determine whether the Patriots will regret passing on Leonard. With Drake Maye as the centerpiece of their offense and a highly regarded draft class featuring players like Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams, the Patriots appear to have laid a strong foundation for the future. However, if Maye encounters issues or Dobbs fails to meet expectations, bypassing a talent like Leonard could become a blemish on head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office’s strategy.
In the short term, the Patriots may not feel the impact of this decision. But in three to five years, if Leonard blossoms into a formidable quarterback for the Colts, questions about why the Patriots overlooked him will resurface. As Ounpraseuth noted, while Leonard may not become a top-tier starting quarterback, he is still a more intriguing piece than a kicker or long snapper selected in the final rounds.
Conclusion
The New England Patriots’ decision to pass on Riley Leonard in the 2025 NFL Draft has ignited a wave of debate among fans and analysts. While the team is focused on building around Drake Maye with high-quality acquisitions, overlooking a versatile quarterback like Leonard could prove risky. Time will tell whether this was a savvy move or a misstep by the Patriots, but for now, the Colts are the ones smiling with the “raw gem” they’ve secured.