As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and events such as the Senior Bowl draw to a close, insightful evaluations of potential players are beginning to take shape. This year’s quarterback class appears to fall short compared to the wealth of talent seen in prior drafts.
While Shedeur Sanders garners attention due to his dad, Deion Sanders’ fame, he is not the standout quarterback in this draft. Cam Ward has also been mentioned as a contender, often rising and falling in rankings alongside Sanders. The true gem of this class, however, is Jaxson Dart. His prowess could significantly alter the future of whichever franchise selects him.
Jaxson Dart’s Journey:
Dart has football in his blood, as his father played as a safety for the Utah Utes. Hailing from Kaysville, Utah, he showcased his athleticism by excelling in both baseball and football during high school. Dart emerged as a four-star recruit, amassing impressive high school statistics that included 4,691 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, alongside 1,195 rushing yards.
Initially committing to USC, Dart started three games as a true freshman, showing flashes of brilliance with 1,351 yards and nine touchdowns amidst some struggles, including five interceptions. His resilience was on full display in his first start against Washington State, where despite early mistakes, he rebounded to throw for 391 yards and four touchdowns, leading USC to a resounding victory.
However, the arrival of Caleb Williams saw Dart shift from USC to Ole Miss, where he would continue to develop under the guidance of Lane Kiffin. Over three seasons at Ole Miss, he amassed a total of 10,613 yards, 72 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. Following a solid showing at the Senior Bowl and an anticipated strong performance at the NFL Combine, Dart is poised to ascend further in draft discussions, establishing himself as the class’s premier quarterback.
Projected Destination: New York Giants
Strengths of Jaxson Dart:
Although Dart has areas needing improvement, it’s crucial to note his consistent development throughout his college career. NFL teams should find confidence in his upward trajectory, indicating untapped potential that could translate to stardom.
Dart possesses remarkable athleticism, enabling him to execute off-platform throws and extend plays outside the pocket. His dynamic rushing ability offers teams a versatile offensive approach, pushing defenses to rethink their strategies. At 6’2” and 226 pounds, Dart’s physicality makes him challenging to bring down, enhancing his appeal to prospective teams.
One major critique of Dart has been his performance under pressure. In 2023, he completed 59.5% of his passes when blitzed, contrasting with a 68.3% completion rate when not under duress. However, Dart demonstrated growth in this facet in 2024, improving to a 66.7% completion rate when pressured while still maintaining an impressive mark when not blitzed.
Dart has also shown exceptional ability in connecting on deep passes, routinely delivering accurately placed throws. His aptitude against man coverage further sets him apart, as he can navigate tight windows effectively.
Areas for Improvement:
Despite his strengths, Dart occasionally relies on his physicality, putting him at risk for unnecessary hits. His original recruitment as a linebacker speaks to his physical mindset but indicates he must improve his decision-making under pressure. Additionally, transitioning from a spread offense at Ole Miss to the more compact NFL style will require him to enhance his pre- and post-snap read capabilities.
Mechanical consistency is another area where Dart could grow. Inconsistent footwork, particularly failing to set his back foot, has impacted his accuracy. Addressing these issues will be essential for his success at the professional level.
Comparing Dart to Sanders and Ward
While Sanders and Ward are frequently discussed as the top two quarterbacks of the draft, both come with notable drawbacks. Sanders offers a safer option, being the most pro-ready quarterback, but he has not shown significant growth in his final season. Although his stats are impressive, they raise questions about his ceiling as a player.
Ward, on the other hand, presents a boom-or-bust scenario. Known for relying heavily on his athleticism, he often forces high-risk throws, leading to turnovers. His propensity for relying on his initial reads can hinder his ability to adapt when defenses adjust.
Statistically, Dart has outperformed both in advanced metrics for 2024, achieving an average depth of target of 11.9 yards and a big-time throw rate of 7.1%, compared to Ward’s 9.8 yards and 6.3% rate, and Sanders’ 8.1 yards and 5.0% rate. Notably, Dart achieved this success with less time to throw, averaging 2.77 seconds.
Despite needing to refine certain aspects of his game, Dart’s potential remains sky-high. He exhibits both secure elements of play and substantial room for growth, positioning him to evolve into a true franchise quarterback capable of leading a team for years to come.
