NFL Draft experts discuss Riley Leonard’s best traits, biggest concerns

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is, for some, a difficult evaluation at the moment. Ankle injury that will likely keep him sidelined aside, the offense he plays in shows a limited sample of what Leonard might be capable of.

As such, ESPN draft analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miler aren’t entirely sure what to make of Leonard, who some have tabbed as a potential first round pick. The physical abilities seem to be there, but the tape doesn’t exactly showcase NFL throws.

“Well he’s really smart. I will say that about him. And with the Duke offense, it’s very interesting to watch just because they don’t push the ball down the field at all. Everything is 10 yards and under. And I put this in an article, I think they’ve only attempted — he only has 11 completions over 10 yards this year which is like outside the Top 100 in the FBS right now,” Reid said on a recent episode of the “First Draft” podcast from ESPN.

Miller concurred with Reid.

He added that the things Leonard is asked to do in the passing game, he excels at. Plus, standing at around 6-feet, 4-inches tall and weighing around 215 pounds, Leonard is a big person with speed and power as a runner.

“In my notes, I put down: I have questions about arm talent. Just overall arm talent. Because you don’t get to see a lot of those opposite field throws. You don’t see him driving the ball out because it is so much mesh concept. It’s just timing based which, his touch and timing are really good. And you mentioned the athleticism, it’s notable. And this a big guy. I think a lot of people have seen him play and don’t realize he’s 6-4, 215 and is a physical 6-4, 215. He’s throwing down dunks in high school. This is a very good athlete and does bring that element to his game,” Miller said.

Given the athleticism, Reid brought up a comparison that’s growing common for Leonard.

“He kind of reminds of Ryan Tannehill a little bit, as far as his athleticism. I see that comparison a lot. I see that comparison a lot with him. A lot of various opinions about him. Some people like him in those early-round ranges and some people like him in those later rounds. They just want to see him outside of that rudimentary offense that they’re running just because it’s hard to get a good feel for him. You don’t really get a good feel for his arm strength or his traits overall because they’re not pushing the ball deep at all,” Reid said.

And now, as he deals with a high ankle sprain, Leonard might be sidelined for some time. Given the lack of tape of him making challenging, down-the-field throws, Miller thinks he could benefit majorly from playing in a post-season all-star game for scouts and decision makers.

“I think he’s a player that could really benefit from one of those postseason all-star games, whether it be Shrine or Senior, where he can — just, ‘Hey, get down there and let us see you rip it a little bit.’ Let’s see that arm strength, especially in person, and get a better feel for what your tools are. Because I would think with that body type and overall athletic ability, the arm’s gotta be better than it looks some times on tape,” Miller said.