“Just their fire in the belly, wanting to prove themselves” Ok, so the 2025 NFL Draft and the dudes who are all primed to make a splash. This is real talent coming out of college, with a few players from Notre Dame and Ohio State that could be life-altering in the pros. The 14–1 season for Notre Dame (so far) and the play that they put together in the College Football Playoffs have made room for these players to shine.

Either it was Riley Leonard setting records in double threat play or Joe Alt setting records as a protector, these guys are cruising into the draft. Let’s dive into where these guys are going to go and how they’re going to make a difference.

Riley Leonard: From Notre Dame’s T=two-fight Icon to the NFL

Riley Leonard had a killer 2024 season at Notre Dame that made the Fighting Irish 14–1 — yes, they have had their first 14-win season in history. It was the head coach, Marcus Freeman, and it was Leonard in the middle. That’s not just a quarterback: He’s a double threat. He passed for more than 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns, but the good times are not over. He also ran for 866 yards and a Notre Dame-record 16 touchdowns, which hasn’t even occurred to defenses to do anything with.

Yet, for all that success, Leonard is not quite a first-round candidate yet. His composure under the microscope can be questioned, and other great quarterbacks can steal the show in the first round. But therein lies the gold mine. He’s a bargain for a team that can put its chips in, and some teams could just be his place. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts want a quarterback who can move around and execute on the ground and in the air. Riley Leonard is exactly that. And if he can take the lessons of a pro starter as he grows, he might be the future of that offense.

Josh Allen’s not in jeopardy but the Bills could use a replacement to come in if things get out of hand. Leonard’s arm- and leg-based play-making capability means he could be an extra asset short-yardage or red-zone which makes him Buffalo’s unusual insurance policy. Niners like a player that can go anywhere, and Leonard’s got that dual-threat game that the Niners can’t resist. : Think of him as a blunder-maker or even a gadget guy who can do something with a bit of everything on a loaded roster.

Joe Alt: The Notre Dame monstrosity in tow to save the QB

Now for Joe Alt, oh, that kid who’s been killing defenders getting the quarterback. He’s a total shithead at 6’8″, 320lbs, and he already has some *first-round* hype going for him in the 2025 draft. Alt had more than 1,000 snaps for Notre Dame (pass protection, run blocking) and has quickly become one of the top offensive tackles available in the draft. There is no ignoring his protection for QBs and wide receivers who can open up the running lanes, and here’s where we think he will end up:

Los Angeles Chargers have Justin Herbert, and you’ve seen him play, you know he’s the real deal. But the Chargers have to protect him, and Joe Alt may be his man. He would be big, strong, and blockable, which would provide Herbert with the consistency he’d need to run that offense without feeling pressure. The next one is the Giants offense line has been a problem for the last few years. Joe Alt might be the difference-maker they’re looking for. He would block huge for whatever man is under center, whoever’s in his new role. He might reopen the door to their misdeed.

Could it be the Bears? The Giants need a better offensive line to help Caleb Williams and the offense advance. Alt could come in and start fixing pass protection and run blocking and leave Williams time to really wow. The Bears rookie QB was the most sacked QB in the NFL this season. If the organization really want to get the best out of their No. 1 pick, it starts with the O-line, and that’s where Alt can help.