2027 NFL Scouting Report: Sam Leavitt

Prospect Summary:

In recent years, NFL teams have trended away from pure pocket passers to a preference for quarterbacks with running ability and dual-threat potential. Leavitt fits that desire as he is a dangerous runner with arm talent. Staying healthy is vital for Leavitt in 2026 as his running style coming off a season-ending injury has durability concerns already in the minds of evaluators. If Leavitt stays healthy, he could produce a huge season playing for Kiffin and become a potential first-round prospect.

Leavitt’s running ability is special, and his legs bring a dangerous element to his offense. With quick feet and athleticism, Leavitt is outstanding at moving in the pocket to dodge the pass rush and avoid negative plays. He easily slips away from rushers and extends plays by breaking out of the pocket. From there, Leavitt is dangerous to take off down the field as he has a second gear to accelerate into the secondary, and he is a shifty open-field runner with size to push through defensive backs. Leavitt has good speed, is an elusive runner, and has a nose for the necessary yardage to get a first down or hit pay dirt. With his running ability, Leavitt is a true dual-threat for the NFL.

As a passer, Leavitt has some talent, but he does need some development. Playing for Kiffin could help his growth and ability to work out of the pocket. Leavitt has a strong arm and can fire some missiles into the intermediate part of the field. Leavitt can launch deep passes accurately, and he has the arm to make any throw. Leavitt could stand to improve his ability to work through progressions. He seems to often lock onto one side of the field. There are also plays where he takes off running if his first read is covered. On other plays, he does a nice job of using his check down, so getting more refined to scan through his receivers and read the defense will be necessary for the NFL. Some pro defenses are going to keep him contained and make him beat them from the pocket, so Leavitt could use development as a pocket passer. Landing with Kiffin in the transfer portal could prove to be life-changing. While Kiffin has questionable character to say the least, he does know the passing offense, is a good play caller, schemer, and quarterback developer.

Some team sources have compared Leavitt to Johnny Manziel, and he reminds this analyst of Jaxson Dart as well. If Leavitt can stay healthy, he could prove to be an opening night pick like Manziel and Dart were.