Louisville defensive back Quincy Riley made headlines when he decided to return for his senior season and is tabbed as a prospect to watch by many scouts. Here is an early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Louisville DB Quincy Riley
Measurables:
- 6’0
- 195 lbs
Player Background:
Originally a three-star recruit and Middle Tennessee State commit, Quincy Riley spent 2019 through 2021 with the Blue Raiders. After just seeing time on special teams his freshman year, he ascended into a major role in 2020 and never looked back. His two interceptions and four passes broken up landed him on the conference’s All-Freshman team. A five INT, nine PBU 2021 campaign led to Riley entering the NCAA Transfer Portal and ending up in Louisville.
He took a slight step back in his first season with the Cardinals in 2022 but followed it up with his best season to date in 2023. Concluding with an All-ACC Honorable Mention, he set career highs in tackles and PBUs in his 5th collegiate season to put himself on an NFL trajectory. After a late decision to return for 2024, he’s resumed his position as the team’s best secondary member.
Accolades:
- C-USA All-Freshman Team (2020)
- First Team All-C-USA (2021)
- Thorpe Player of the Week (2022)
- All-ACC Honorable Mention (2023)
- Preseason Phil Steele 2nd Team All-C-USA (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
As shown with his 10.89 100-meter dash at MTSU, his long speed is a major strength. His athleticism is developed enough to be an immediate contributor and can grow into a more refined technique. He breaks on passes extremely well, often realizing the ball’s location and trajectory at the same time or earlier than the target. At the line, he doesn’t bite on excess moves and maintains a solid center of gravity when moving vertically.
In zone coverage, he’s a smart defender who utilizes positioning and angles well. He’s able to work in numerous directions at a moment’s notice and make plays on the ball. At the catch point, he possesses advanced intelligence at all stages. His headturn is quick and early and knows how to work the receiver into spots where he can intercept or break up the pass.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Set to turn 24 less than a month after the NFL Draft, Riley’s age is one of his most prominent issues as a prospect. On the field, many of his concerns start with a far-too-choppy backpedal that doesn’t cover nearly as much ground as desired. This also carries into the technical aspect of his game, as it limits his ability to transition horizontally. His stickiness in soft coverage needs to be improved. That drawback is also accentuated in bunched packages, increasing his likelihood of getting moved out of the play.
Physically, Riley will need to add strength to succeed in the NFL and often gets beaten by larger wideouts, especially in the red zone. He struggles to work downhill in the run/screen game and is rarely able to work off blocks during those plays. When faced with contact-in-man coverage, he allows himself to get extended too early, often leading to getting bumped off his assignment and/or flags being thrown.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Quincy Riley’s NFL projection is made much more interesting because of his age. His prime will likely be short-lived but has the natural skills to remain a contributor on defense in the league. His strong zone coverage feel will provide the opportunity to succeed in all schemes and he could quickly rise to become a multi-position starter. The team roster that selects him will dictate how early and often he plays, but his age and ball production should earn him immediate playing time after he gets drafted.
Prospect Grade:
- Mid 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Notre Dame
- 2023 vs. Duke
- 2023 vs. Notre Dame
- 2023 vs. Kentucky
Main Photo: [Bob Donnan] – USA Today Sports
