In a twist of football fate, former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge emerged as an unlikely ally in the team’s quest for quarterback Jaxson Dart.

As a senior assistant at Ole Miss during Dart’s standout 2024 season, Judge gained an intimate view of the signal-caller’s mechanics, mindset, and meteoric rise. Judge’s expertise proved invaluable when the Giants delved into pre-draft evaluations.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Giants meticulously scouted every top quarterback prospect. Yet, their sessions on Dart invariably concluded on a high note: Giants head coach Brian Daboll and front-office executives emerging with a unanimous verdict — “He checks every box.”

This glowing consensus wasn’t a mere coincidence. The Giants tapped directly into Judge’s firsthand knowledge, leveraging his dual perspective as both a former Big Blue coach and a Rebel insider.

Believe it or not, the Giants also leaned on some unlikely help. Ole Miss assistant quarterbacks coach Joe Judge, the former Giants head coach, helped the team learn everything it needed to know about Dart.

Judge, who helmed the Giants from 2020 to 2021 amid turbulent times, offered unfiltered insight into Dart’s poise under pressure, arm talent, and leadership — qualities that echoed the precision Judge demands from his charges.

This collaboration underscores the NFL’s interconnected web, where past ties fuel future gambles. As the 2025 NFL draft loomed, Judge’s endorsement may have tipped the scales, positioning Dart as the Giants’ potential franchise savior.

The early verdict? So far, so good.