Jackson Dart VS Riley Leonard Credit NFLdraft buzz

Chukarhawk

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Jackson Dart

Draft Profile: Bio​

From meteoric Utah high school star to SEC gunslinger, Jaxson Dart's journey to the NFL draft has been marked by consistent evolution and eye-popping performances. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year began his collegiate career at USC before transferring to Ole Miss, where he rewrote the record books under Lane Kiffin's tutelage. Standing 6'2" and weighing in at 225 pounds, Dart's frame carries the bulk needed for his fearless running style while maintaining the mobility that makes him a true dual-threat quarterback.

His final season in Oxford showcased the full spectrum of his abilities, as he threw for 4,279 yards with 29 touchdowns against just six interceptions while adding 495 yards and three scores on the ground. The statistical jump from his junior year wasn't just incremental - it was a quantum leap that saw him break multiple Ole Miss single-season records, including total offense (4,774 yards) and passing efficiency (180.7). His masterpiece came against Arkansas, where he unleashed a 515-yard, six-touchdown aerial assault that ranks among the most impressive performances in SEC history.

Dart's collegiate career concluded with him joining an elite SEC quarterback club, becoming just the fourth signal-caller in conference history to surpass 12,000 yards of total offense. His 65.7% career completion percentage at Ole Miss, coupled with a 28-10 record as a starter, speaks to both his accuracy and ability to lead a program to consistent success. The evolution from talented freshman to polished senior was evident in his decision-making, as he maintained his aggressive playing style while dramatically reducing turnover-worthy plays.

Scouting Report: Strengths​

  • Displays exceptional touch and timing on intermediate routes, consistently putting the ball in perfect spots for receivers to maximize yards after catch
  • Natural athlete who brings good speed to designed runs and scramble situations, forcing defenses to account for his legs on every snap
  • Shows impressive improvisational skills when plays break down, maintaining downfield vision while extending plays outside the pocket
  • Demonstrates advanced understanding of leverage in RPO concepts, consistently making the right read and delivering with accuracy
  • Exhibits outstanding pocket toughness, willing to stand tall and deliver strikes while taking hits - shows some real dog in him
  • Quick, compact release allows him to get the ball out rapidly in the short and intermediate game without compromising accuracy
  • Thrives in up-tempo situations, processing defensive looks quickly and delivering decisive throws in rhythm
  • Natural leader who elevated Ole Miss's offensive execution, particularly evident in crucial fourth-quarter situations

Scouting Report: Weaknesses​

  • Deep ball accuracy becomes erratic when forced to drive the ball beyond 45 yards, particularly when mechanics aren't perfect
  • Sometimes bails on clean pockets too early, needs to trust protection and work through full progressions
  • Base can get narrow under pressure, leading to some throws sailing high in crucial situations
  • Production showed concerning dips against elite defenses, particularly when forced into obvious passing situations
  • Still developing ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes, occasionally telegraphs primary reads
  • When forced into being a dropback passer for lengthy stretches - his production falls
  • Production dips noticeably against higher-caliber defenses, struggling to consistently move the chains and create big plays

Riley Leonard

Draft Profile: Bio​

From the small coastal town of Fairhope, Alabama, Riley Leonard wasn't supposed to be here. Despite leading his high school to a stellar 31-12 record and earning Player of the Year honors, the major programs passed him by. A three-star recruit ranked as just the 20th best dual-threat quarterback in his class, Leonard's athletic gifts were hidden in plain sight. The 6'4", 216-pound athlete was actually better known for his basketball prowess, earning a spot on Alabama's Super All-State Basketball Team. But it was Duke who saw something special, taking a chance on the overlooked quarterback who would prove the doubters wrong. In his breakout 2022 season, Leonard silenced critics by joining elite company - becoming one of just three FBS quarterbacks to eclipse 2,900 passing yards and 695 rushing yards, alongside future first-round picks Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

His rise at Duke was meteoric. After earning the starting job, Leonard led the Blue Devils to their first nine-win season in nearly a decade, capping it off with Military Bowl MVP honors. The fairy tale seemed set to continue in 2023 until a devastating toe injury derailed his season after just seven games. But Leonard wasn't done writing his story. Trading Duke blue for Notre Dame gold, he bet on himself with a transfer to South Bend. The gamble paid off - Leonard not only recovered but thrived, breaking Notre Dame's single-season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns with 15 scores in 2024 while leading the Irish to signature wins over USC and Ohio State.

Leonard's athletic bloodlines run deep - his father was a basketball standout at The Citadel, setting school records for steals, while his uncle played hoops at Georgetown. That basketball background shows up in his game, with the kind of spatial awareness and quick-twitch athleticism that can't be taught.

Scouting Report: Strengths​

  • Elite athlete with wheels that pop off the tape - his foot speed and basketball background show up in game situations, like that filthy juke against USC's linebacker in space.
  • Nasty deep ball thrower who consistently drops it in the bucket where only his guy can get it, as shown by that 54-yard dime against Penn State to tie the game.
  • Pre-snap savant who diagnoses defensive leverages and coverage shells with veteran awareness, especially lethal against zone looks where he finds soft spots between defenders.
  • Shows some dog when plays break down, keeping his eyes downfield while navigating chaos - made multiple huge throws on the move against Ohio State.
  • Pocket movement is silky smooth with the ability to slide and reset his platform while maintaining throwing mechanics, especially impressive against Georgia's pass rush.
  • Absolute weapon in the QB run game with patient vision and burst through the hole - that three-touchdown performance against Purdue was clinic tape.
  • Quick processor who gets the ball out on time in the rhythm passing game, particularly effective working the middle of the field against zone coverage.
  • Natural born leader who commanded both Duke and Notre Dame's huddles with ease - teammates gravitate to his steady presence in critical moments.

Scouting Report: Weaknesses​

  • Lower body mechanics fall apart under pressure, causing him to spray routine throws - that fourth quarter against Florida State showed concerning accuracy dips when rushed.
  • Makes bone-headed decisions trying to play hero ball when getting sacked instead of protecting the football, could be a turnover machine against NFL edge rushers.
  • Gets stuck on his first read too often and misses open receivers breaking late - showed up repeatedly against Georgia when they disguised coverages post-snap.
  • Mechanics from under center need serious work - heel clicks and rushed footwork led to several missed layups on timing routes against Virginia Tech.
  • Medical red flags from that toe injury at Duke require thorough vetting, especially given how much his game relies on explosive athleticism and quick-twitch movements.


I Like Leonard his athleticism jumps off the screen. I love anyone that understands pre snap and what to look for makes me very interested "Pre snap savant". He can really run and having an athlete out there never hurts you. Deep ball accuracy is a big deal and a big plus. his short comings I think can be coached. If you have both the physical skills and the head for the game, I think you are looking at a solid shot to transition to the NFL.

Dart, I like his ability to throw people open. I think that is a big weakness in Geno's game. Geno is sometimes slow to react and that's what gets him in trouble. Dart has wheels which I think is a must in todays game. I'm always skeptical of people when they say someone doesn't have a big arm. I'll be the judge of that. Penix is perfect example Penix has a gun but morons that didn't watch him play said it was below average. it's clearly not, and this happens all the time. let's watch him throw deep at the combine.

I'd be happy with either and we could end up with one of these kids. Trust JS's QB nose.
 

Double Tribble

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I'll believe it when I see it . I feel like Charlie Brown, always having the ball pulled out from under me on draft day as JS continually ignores drafting a qb to replace Geno.
 

Hawkinaz

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It’s kinda unrelated but talking about Riley Leonard and his time at Duke they said on a local radio station to me out of Greensboro NC that Duke is raising tuition to 90k per year that scholarship was worth some big money
 

Hawkinaz

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I think Dart is going early, maybe as early as 1st rd which is too early for Seattle

I like everything about Leonard except his ability to throw which is critical for a QB he might be good as a mid rd flier. In interviews and other opportunities to speak I liked him and his attitude to play in the Senior Bowl right after the Nation Championship game.
 

TwilightError

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It’s interesting to see if they draft a qb in the Riley Leonard range. Tyler Shough from Louisville might be a candidate there.

But I’m ready to be disappointed once again..
 

IndyHawk

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I didn't see all that transcends Riley to the next level, he has
the height and toughness.
The deep ball he throws is not really deep and his accuracy is
not that good.
I'm not sure what the hype is about, he can run and I suppose
if you put a basic offense out for him like Me3, he might work.
 

Seahawker

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This reminds me of so many weak QB drafts that the combine tries to hype up middling players to create excitement.
Strange things can happen, it wouldn't even surprise me to see Dart go before Sanders in late April.
On the Riley Leonard front, no, not my guy. Not only did he play for Notre Dame, many of his deficiencies seem to mirror Rick Mirer's and he even looks like he could be related to him. Not Joe Cool.
No thanks.

Images 23Images 18Images 19Images 25
 
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Chukarhawk

Chukarhawk

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This reminds me of so many weak QB drafts that the combine tries to hype up middling players to create excitement.
Strange things can happen, it wouldn't even surprise me to see Dart go before Sanders in late April.
On the Riley Leonard front, no, not my guy. Not only did he play for Notre Dame, many of his deficiencies seem to mirror Rick Mirer's and he even looks like he could be related to him. Not Joe Cool.
No thanks.

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not the same at all, Mirrer was taken 2nd overall. Leonard will go in the 4th or 5th round. If we take him, it will be because we have extended a contract with Geno. So, he will sit for at least 2 years. Mirer was hailed as the next Joe Montana and was the NFL offensive rookie of the year. There are no such expectations nor hype around Leonard. He's a project. that said he throws dimes and may be the best running QB in the draft. He flat out runs away from people.




 
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Wsumatt1982

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Only two QBs out of this class I like are Dart and Ewers. I wouldn’t be mad with Howard or McCord but I prefer the first two by a lot.
 

Hawkinaz

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This reminds me of so many weak QB drafts that the combine tries to hype up middling players to create excitement.
Strange things can happen, it wouldn't even surprise me to see Dart go before Sanders in late April.
On the Riley Leonard front, no, not my guy. Not only did he play for Notre Dame, many of his deficiencies seem to mirror Rick Mirer's and he even looks like he could be related to him. Not Joe Cool.
No thanks.

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I expect Dart to be drafted before Sanders, Sheduer will fall
 

Wsumatt1982

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ooh man I wouldn't go that far.
I kind of have a sneaking suspicion Sanders may fall to the 2nd. It's highly unlikely but I could see Ward going top 3. A team trading back into the 1st at the end for Dart and Sanders going shortly after that, either very late 1st or early 2nd. I don't know teams are really enamored by him and the thought of dealing with his dad.
 

Hawkinaz

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NFL teams aren’t that high on Sanders it was the sports media and mock drafters that artificially inflated his value than once the draft is over the average NFL fan will say “ why/how did his value fall so much?” The answer is his value was never high, a good example was Malik Willis
 

Seahawker

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I'm hoping that after the 17th pick no one has taken Shedeur Sanders and a team slated in the twenties gives us their 1st rounders in 25' & 26' for #18.
Then our trade partner sucks so bad our newly acquired 1st winds up the first overall pick in the 26' draft and we either take Arch Manning or trade the pick for 3 first rounders. lol
 

Shane Falco

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QB's are over-drafted a lot. QB needy teams don't have much choice a lot of times. If you wait to where it seems its good value then they might not be there. Something you just can't gamble on when you have to have one to succeed in the NFL. So I think teams overdraft even when they know they are doing it.
 

Seahawker

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QB's are over-drafted a lot. QB needy teams don't have much choice a lot of times. If you wait to where it seems its good value then they might not be there. Something you just can't gamble on when you have to have one to succeed in the NFL. So I think teams overdraft even when they know they are doing it.
9m63yn 1
 

Rat

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QB's are over-drafted a lot. QB needy teams don't have much choice a lot of times. If you wait to where it seems its good value then they might not be there. Something you just can't gamble on when you have to have one to succeed in the NFL. So I think teams overdraft even when they know they are doing it.
I don't feel like this happens that much anymore. Teams are still aggressive about trading up high in the draft for the elite QB prospects, but they've largely stopped with the second (and lower) tier guys. I kept hearing last year that if we wanted Rattler, we'd have to pull the trigger no later than the second because QBs get overdrafted, but he didn't go until the mid-5th. Similar with guys like Levis, Hooker, Willis, Ridder, Corral, Howell, Kizer, Webb, etc.

Daniel Jones went a bit earlier than expected, although that led to Haskins falling. There are a few guys you could say were mild surprises, but it feels like it has been a while since we've regularly seen EJ Manuel or Christian Ponder type reaches.
 

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