Riley Leonard’s journey from Duke to Notre Dame has drawn plenty of comparisons to former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, and tonight he has another chance to prove he is ready for the next level.
The No. 6 Fighting Irish (9-1) take on No. 18 Army (9-0) tonight in South Bend, and for Riley Leonard, it is not just about chasing a College Football Playoff spot but also about proving he belongs among the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. This potential designation comes with both exciting opportunities and significant challenges.
And the elephant in the room? Leonard’s game eerily resembles Daniel Jones, who went from the sixth overall pick in 2019 to being benched and released by the Giants just five-plus years later. That comparison isn’t just about shared coaching lineage or a similar frame. It’s about the fine line between unlocking a quarterback’s potential and watching their weaknesses overshadow their talent.
Notre Dame's Riley Leonard will forever be compared to Daniel Jones
At first glance, Leonard feels like a Daniel Jones 2.0. Both quarterbacks came from Duke, both are athletic dual-threats with similar builds (Leonard is 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, while Jones is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds), and both have flashes of brilliance that grab scouts’ attention. Leonard’s 4.52 second 40-yard dash makes him an even bigger threat as a runner, giving him an edge in today’s NFL where mobility matters.
The similarities go even deeper, and not all of them are positive. Jones entered the NFL with questions about his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to handle pressure, all of which eventually became major issues in his career. Leonard’s scouting report brings up some of the same concerns.
Leonard shows good ball placement and field vision, but his mechanics can fall apart under pressure. Scouts have noted that his deep pass accuracy is inconsistent, and his tendency to lock onto receivers could lead to turnovers, which are problems that plagued Jones even after years in the NFL. On top of that, Leonard has struggled at times against elite defenses, much like Jones did both at Duke and in the pros.
Riley Leonard is a whole Carbon Copy of Daniel Jones .. it’s wild
— Phil (@Phxlly) September 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/fn8TQKIZqe
And then there is the question of the "it factor." While Leonard is a proven leader and has shown resilience in tough situations, some critics might say he lacks the game-changing spark that turns good quarterbacks into franchise stars. Sound familiar?
Unlike Jones, Leonard has had the advantage of playing with a stronger supporting cast at Notre Dame, giving him a platform to show off his potential in ways Jones never could at Duke. Leonard’s ability to read defenses and capitalize on mismatches makes him more versatile, and his experience in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame should make his transition to the NFL smoother.
NFL teams looking for a quarterback might view Leonard as a more polished and athletic version of Daniel Jones. The big question is whether Leonard can avoid the same flaws that have held Jones back. If Leonard can sharpen his mechanics and make better decisions under pressure, he has the potential to become the reliable player the Giants once envisioned Jones could be.
But if those weaknesses stick around, Leonard could end up with the same fate: a player with all the physical tools who never fully put it together.
Riley Leonard’s path to the NFL will definitely be influenced by what we’ve seen from Daniel Jones’ ups and downs. The potential for success is there, but so are the challenges he’ll need to overcome.
Tonight’s game against Army gives Leonard another chance to show he’s more than just a copy of Daniel Jones. It’s a moment to highlight his strengths and prove he can rise above his weaknesses. The comparisons might be unavoidable for now, but Riley Leonard’s story is still being written.