The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and it didn’t take long for the excitement to unfold. The Tennessee Titans set the stage by selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, a choice that had been anticipated for weeks. However, the night quickly turned chaotic, especially with the Cleveland Browns trading their No. 2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for the No. 5 pick, a move that sent shockwaves through the draft.
As the night progressed, the New York Giants made headlines by trading back into the first round. They executed a deal with the Houston Texans to acquire the No. 25 overall pick, which they used to select quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. This strategic move came after the Giants had already made a significant selection earlier in the draft, picking linebacker Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall.
Jaxson Dart, just 21 years old, has made quite a name for himself in college football. After starting his career at USC, he spent the last three seasons at Ole Miss, where he thrived in 2024. Dart was recognized as a first-team All-SEC selection, leading the conference with an impressive 4,279 passing yards, while also throwing for 29 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His completion rate stood at an eye-catching 69 percent, and he even added 495 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to his resume.
By trading back into the first round, the Giants not only secured Dart but also gained the right to exercise a fifth-year option on his rookie contract, giving them flexibility for the future. In exchange for the No. 25 pick, the Texans received the Giants’ No. 34 pick in the second round, the No. 99 pick in the third round, and a third-rounder in 2026. This trade reflects the Giants' determination to find their quarterback of the future, placing Dart in a competitive QB room alongside veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
Brian Daboll, the Giants' head coach, expressed optimism about Dart’s potential, drawing comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, at least on paper. “We believe Jaxson has the skill set to develop into a franchise quarterback,” Daboll stated after the pick was made. “He’s a fierce competitor, and we’re excited to see how he fits into our system.”
Dart’s college statistics are nothing short of remarkable. He led the NCAA with a staggering 180.7 quarterback rating and averaged 15.5 yards per completion, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. Additionally, Dart’s 329.2 yards per game average solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. He even surpassed legendary Ole Miss quarterbacks Eli and Archie Manning to become the all-time leading passer in the school's history.
However, Dart’s journey to the NFL isn’t without its critiques. Some analysts have raised concerns about his decision-making under pressure and his tendency to take big hits during runs. Despite these concerns, his toughness and competitive nature have been widely praised, making him a compelling choice for the Giants.
Meanwhile, the Texans, who traded back to acquire additional picks, are looking to bolster their roster after winning back-to-back AFC South division titles but facing challenges in the playoffs. With the trade, Houston now holds four picks in the second and third rounds, enabling them to address critical needs on their offensive line and in the receiving corps.
As the draft unfolded, other notable trades included the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, who struck a deal that saw the Eagles receive pick No. 31, while the Chiefs got pick No. 32 along with a fifth-rounder. The Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams also made headlines with a five-pick trade that reshaped their draft strategies.
The excitement of the draft continues to build as teams make strategic decisions that will shape their futures. With the Giants securing Jaxson Dart, the focus now shifts to how he will develop alongside experienced quarterbacks and whether he can become the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward. The 2025 NFL Draft has proven to be a pivotal moment for many teams, and the implications of these trades will be felt for years to come.
As the night concluded, the Giants not only celebrated Dart’s selection but also their earlier success in landing Abdul Carter, a player many believe could be a generational talent on defense. The combination of these two picks has set a hopeful tone for the Giants’ future, as they look to return to playoff contention.
The NFL Draft is far from over, with more rounds to come and plenty of opportunities for teams to reshape their rosters. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these young talents adapt to the professional level and contribute to their respective teams.
