Jaxson Dart, quarterback for Ole Miss, is captivating the NFL with his performance at the NFL Combine, raising anticipation about his prospects for the 2025 Draft.
Dart has showcased his athleticism and passing prowess, attracting interest from multiple NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks. During his media sessions, he spoke of his meetings with the Cowboys, stating, "It's been great to form [a relationship with the Cowboys]. ... It's been great to sit down with them and talk ball." These discussions reflect Dart's promise as he progresses through the pre-draft evaluation process.
After concluding his impressive college career, Dart has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects. He broke numerous records during his tenure at Ole Miss, accumulating over 10,617 passing yards and 72 touchdowns against 22 interceptions. His accuracy was notable, completing 65.7% of his passes and earning first-team All-SEC honors.
The NFL Combine serves as Dart’s chance to solidify his draft stock, especially with the lack of elite quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. An unnamed general manager has suggested Dart could overtake Colorado star Shedeur Sanders as the second-best quarterback if he performs well, highlighting the competitive nature of the process. ESPN’s Mel Kiper and other analysts have recognized Dart’s rising status, with Kiper ranking him among the top three quarterbacks available.
His college coach, Lane Kiffin, has helped frame Dart as not only physically capable but also mentally sharp with good decision-making skills. Commenting on Dart’s skill set, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted, "There’s a lot of tools to work with. That’s why I have him as the third quarterback." Such endorsements from seasoned evaluators have heightened interest, particularly from teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are searching for their franchise quarterback. Rays Fittipaldo from the Post-Gazette stated, "Never say never, but second round if they have conviction on him," indicating Dart's possibility of getting selected on day two of the draft.
Evaluators continue to debate Dart’s long-term potential. While some see him as potentially rising up the draft boards, others caution about his perceived limitations. Analyst Alex Kozora pointed out, “There’s some Kenny Pickett vibes here; my official comp to Dart will be Gardner Minshew.” This perspective articulates the challenge Dart faces to distinguish himself among peers but also acknowledges his work ethic and tenacity.
During the Combine, Dart emphasized the importance of learning from established quarterbacks if drafted as a rookie, stating, "I think it’s something you can come and learn as much as you can from playing behind veteran quarterbacks." This humility and readiness to adapt may resonate well with teams seeking leadership qualities beyond raw athleticism.
Meeting with the Seahawks, Dart expressed excitement about the prospect of working with their coaching staff, saying, "They’ve got elite coaching staff and tons of talent on their team." Dart’s connection to Seattle, coupled with their need for a quarterback, makes him highly relevant as teams continue to finalize draft strategies.
Notably, Dart’s admiration for Jalen Hurts adds another layer to his narrative as he strives to emulate Hurts' versatility. He remarked, "I feel like I’m very similar in my play style to him [Jalen Hurts]." This self-awareness highlights his confidence as he prepares to take on the NFL.
Keeping pace with analysis of other quarterback prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, Dart’s performance at the Combine may tip the scales toward his favor. With Ward and Sanders opting to skip key on-field workouts, Dart’s chance to impress during the workout sessions could prove pivotal. Jaxson Dart’s electric playing style and strong showing at the Senior Bowl have garnered significant attention. NFL teams are considering him not just as another player but as someone who could potentially lead their franchise.
With just days left until the draft, Jaxson Dart has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing prospects to watch. If he can nail the Combine workouts and interviews, he might not only move up draft boards but possibly challenge the established hierarchy of quarterback prospects.
Fans and analysts alike will have their eyes set on Dart as he has the opportunity to redefine expectations for himself and prove he can be the quarterback teams are seeking. The future is bright for Jaxson Dart as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career.