While just about everyone in NFL circles has been obsessed with Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jalen Milroe as the top quarterback options heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has certainly flown under the radar.
However, after his Senior Bowl performance, one national draft analyst believes that won’t be the case anymore.
Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Emerges as Top QB Contender Post-Senior Bowl
A veteran in the NFL Draft analysis game, ESPN’s Louis Riddick is now singing the praises of the former Rebels QB.
Jaxson Dart has impressed @LRiddickESPN at the @seniorbowl this week: pic.twitter.com/ZK6fx8L7bU
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) January 29, 2025
“He can push the ball wherever you need him to,” Riddick said.
Dart has been under the radar despite a solid college career. At Ole Miss in 2024, he passed for more than 4,200 yards and 29 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He was also named CSN’s First-Team All-SEC quarterback after guiding the Rebels to a 10-3 record and the Gator Bowl.
He is reportedly climbing the draft boards, and NFL analysts are fascinated by his passing and running ability. Dart impressed in Senior Bowl practices, suggesting he could move up from a projected second- or third-round pick to a first-round selection.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Dart is one of the best quarterbacks in the Draft and came out with the bold claim that he believes: “Jaxson Dart is going in Round 1.”
Dart might not be ready to start immediately, but according to CSN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, he should certainly hear his name called earlier than what most thought following the season. His impressive performance has sparked speculation about his potential climb in the draft rankings. Some observers now believe Dart is a good prospect for the QB3 position, with a chance of being selected in the initial phases.
MORE: Top 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings
No one is challenging Dart’s capability or his mental and physical toughness; the only concern is whether he will be ready on Day 1. That may not be the case now, but it doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t be an MVP in this league in the future.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
