Some speculate that Jaxson Dart might be the bargain pick of the 2025 NFL Draft first round. Having been picked at No. 10, he was selected high enough to be considered an elite talent coming into the league, but not high enough to feel the insane pressure currently riding on the shoulders of a Cam Ward or a Travis Hunter.
Also, the fact that Dart is starting his career with the New York Giants means he will probably not see much action in his rookie year. Ahead of him in the depth chart is Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, and another veteran in Jameis Winston.
While some might think this is a bad spot to be in, former Arizona Cardinals and USC quarterback Matt Leinart believes quite the opposite. This is a great place for Dart to learn from experienced and talented signal-callers:
“The best thing Jax’s going to do is just sit this year and learn. Like, maybe get some meaningful snaps here and there, but like sit and learn. Because you have two guys, by the way, if they keep three- if they keep Jameis. They’ve got two dudes who have played a lot of football in the NFL. Really, like Jameis would be a great guy to learn from as well.”
Dart was consistently a productive quarterback with the Ole Miss Rebels in three seasons as a starter. Through four seasons of college football, including a freshman season with USC in which he played in six games and started three, he recorded 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. He was also a prolific runner, with 1541 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 393 carries.
Meanwhile, Leinart signed a six-year contract worth $32,860,000 with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected by them in 2006.
Mike Tannenbaum believes Jaxson Dart is better athlete than Russell Wilson
Not everyone believes that Jaxson Dart needs to wait to make it big in the NFL. Former league executive and football analyst Mike Tannenbaum opined that Jaxson Dart is the better quarterback when compared to Russell Wilson:
“Jaxson Dart is a better player and he is a better athlete than Russell Wilson,” Tannenbaum said. “Look I understand there’s going to be growing pains, but he is someone that has energized this franchise. He understands what to do, and when you talk to the Giants organization, they’re actually more thrilled with what he’s doing off the field than on the field.”
“Jaxson Dart is a better player and he’s a better athlete than Russell Wilson.”@RealTannenbaum shares his thoughts on the Giants’ QBs 👀 pic.twitter.com/YpJjCbVQj4
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 19, 2025
Dart has already proven his abilities somewhat to the NFL franchise. Through their first two preseason games, he has been their leading passer. Both games have been victories for the Giants, 34-25 against the Buffalo Bills and 31-12 against the New York Jets.
They have one game left in preseason against the New England Patriots on Thursday, and they start their regular season against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7.
Read more:
Giants Projected To Land 6’7″, 360-Pound OT in 2026 NFL Draft To Help Protect QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart Stats: How Did Former Ole Miss Star Fare Compared To Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Debut?
