Round 1, Pick 25 (from Houston) – Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
“Dart possesses the arm, mobility and work ethic to be a future starter; that said, he should also have a chance to compete with Russell Wilson for the team’s QB1 job this year. Dart adds value as a runner, which will make him a challenge for defenses that deploy a lot of man coverage.”
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman
“The Giants did their homework on every available quarterback and picked up the one they wanted, at just the right price. Instead of reaching at No. 3, the Giants picked the best player available there, then traded back into the first round to grab Dart. With veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in the building, New York has a buffer to ensure that Dart won’t get overwhelmed on day one.”
“I like the Giants’ aggression with this move. Dart has everything needed to become a star quarterback in the NFL, except experience in a pro-style attack. He possesses a strong, accurate arm with good touch on the deep ball, agility, power and grit as a runner and the leadership skills expected at quarterback…The Giants are one of the better fits for Dart given the presence of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. As such, Dart won’t be rushed onto the field and can develop at his own pace.”
“With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston entrenched atop the depth chart, the Giants are good at quarterback for 2025 — but they need an answer for the future. Dart gets time to develop behind the veterans. And with his physical tools as a deep-ball thrower and as a runner, he’s the best fit of any remaining quarterbacks in the class for Brian Daboll’s offense.”
“Brian Daboll is a QB guru who had tremendous success with Josh Allen in Buffalo and seeks a quarterback with similar athleticism and play-making ability. Dart has the traits to play in an offense that features not only traditional dropback passes but movement-based concepts.”
“Dart’s timing and touch are impressive on passes thrown 10-19 yards from the pocket. He anticipates well and gets the ball out as receivers are making their breaks. He stands in and takes big hits to make plays. Dart extends plays, keeps his eyes downfield as he climbs the pocket and completes off-platform throws. Dart rushed for 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons at Ole Miss. His quickness, toughness and ability to make defenders miss allow him to be an effective scrambler or threat on designed quarterback runs.”
“Feel good if you’re a Giants fan. Not only did you get Abdul Carter, who was the first player on a lot of people’s boards overall, but you also manipulated the draft board in such a way where you didn’t give up a bounty of picks to go get your quarterback. If you look at the pick right after them, the Atlanta Falcons gave up a first round pick to get to the Rams to take a defensive end. You guys gave up a third round pick and the 34th to go and get Jaxson Dart. I love what Joe Schoen and company did.”