As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, all eyes are on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is quickly becoming a highly regarded prospect in a class characterized by uncertainty. Following an impressive college career, Dart has demonstrated both skill and resilience, making him a potential first-round selection.
Dart stands tall at 6-foot-2 and weighs 225 pounds, boasting an experience level that includes 41 career starts. At just 21 years old, he brings a blend of youthful ambition and seasoned performance to the table. His above-average arm strength, coupled with a dual-threat ability, allows him to be not just a reliable passer but also a dangerous runner when situations call for it. This savvy dual-threat capability is particularly appealing to teams looking to diversify their offensive strategies.
However, Dart's journey to the NFL has not been without its challenges. Concerns have been raised about his performance under pressure and his ability to maintain mechanics in the face of a collapsing pocket. Analysts note that when pressure mounts, his decision-making can falter, which affects his consistency as a passer. "Dart’s effectiveness declines with pressure due to poor mechanics and decision-making," reported ESPN, highlighting the need for him to improve these aspects as he transitions to the professional level.
The draft buzz surrounding Dart has intensified, particularly within the New York Jets organization. Despite recently signing quarterback Justin Fields, the Jets are rumored to have "some love" for Dart as they consider their options. Todd McShay stated on the Todd McShay Show, "(The Jets are) thrilled to have Justin Fields, he's going to be the starter. Let's move forward with him, but it's not a contract that absolutely locks them in." This situation leaves room for speculation about drafting Dart. It's likely that the Jets may look to secure a backup as Dart is said to have impressed early in the draft process.
Further complicating matters, the Jets are not expected to select Dart with their seventh overall pick but could trade up from the second round into the late first round. As McShay elaborated, “There is some love in the building for Dart... but I don’t think he'll be the number seven pick.” The Jets' strategy may focus on surrounding Fields with weapons, such as targeting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, but Dart remains in the conversation if he is still available later.
On the other coast, the Los Angeles Rams are also eyeing Dart, considering a potential trade to nab the quarterback. Recent draft strategies from various teams have positioned Dart as a rising star, one who may be tough to pass up in the early rounds. Analysts suggest that if Dart begins to slip down the draft board, teams needing a quarterback might look back, hoping to secure him before the competition does.
The Rams' potential interest stems from a desire to draft a solid backup and future starter, reminiscent of their earlier trades. Drawing comparisons to the Green Bay Packers' decision to trade up for Jordan Love in 2020, industry insiders believe similar moves could be on the horizon for the Rams. As discussions continue, the idea of Dart landing in a competitive organization like the Rams could be appealing, especially for a prospect looking to develop behind established talent.
Adding to his draft stock, Dart delivered an eye-catching performance at the Senior Bowl, completing two of four passes for 41 yards and scoring a touchdown. His showing there has captivated scouts, which helped solidify him as a top quarterback prospect, now projected to be possibly the third signal-caller taken after Cam Ward from Miami and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado.
Despite a strong push from Dart's camp and a solid senior season where he threw for 4,279 yards, achieving 29 touchdowns to just six interceptions, the volatility in the current quarterback class means that Dart could just as easily fall outside the first round if teams prioritize other positional needs. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested that there may be three quarterbacks selected in the top 15 picks, which could spark a bidding war and require teams, like the Steelers, to trade up for Dart if they wish to secure his talents.
Rumors abound that the Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping a close eye on Dart, who has often been classified as the quarterback of the future for franchises looking to rebuild their QB lineup. With the struggles the Steelers have faced since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, there’s been chatter about pairing Dart with a high-caliber player like Aaron Rodgers, should he indeed sign with Pittsburgh. Pete Prisco wrote, “Dart could watch for a year as he adjusts to the NFL and then take over.” This long-term vision could resonate well with Steelers fans eager to establish a new era of football.
In this context of mounting pressure and race to the draft, the narrative surrounding Jaxson Dart showcases more than just his individual capabilities; it reflects the high-stakes decisions awaiting NFL teams grappling with both immediate needs and future aspirations. As teams weigh their options, one thing is certain: Dart’s name will continue to echo throughout draft preparations until his selection, cementing his status as one of the standout players of this year’s quarterback class.
