The 2025 NFL Draft has primarily been defined by two names at quarterback—until now. With draft day quickly approaching, the long-assumed pecking order at the position might not be as solid as once believed. While Cam Ward remains a firm favorite as the top quarterback off the board, the battle for the second spot is intensifying, and Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart is making a late push to overtake Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Jaxson Dart’s Draft Surge: Could He Leapfrog Shedeur Sanders?
During a discussion about his latest mock draft on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Mel Kiper Jr. was asked about Dan Orlovsky’s recent statement. It suggested that Dart could surpass Sanders as the second quarterback taken in the draft. Kiper Jr. acknowledged that the possibility is real. Not only that, but opinions on the draft landscape are evolving as teams conduct their final evaluations.
“Not out of the question,” Kiper Jr. said.
“I’m not going to oversight, laugh at anything that’s being said now because everybody has got opinions all over the place.”
Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projects both quarterbacks as top-ten picks. He has Sanders going No. 3 overall to the New York Giants, while Dart lands at No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints. This marks a significant rise for Dart, previously viewed as a fringe first-rounder. However, he has gained traction due to his consistent improvement at Ole Miss.
Dart’s steady growth over his college career has been a key factor in this late surge. As Kiper Jr. pointed out, the Ole Miss quarterback has made notable strides in accuracy, decision-making, and overall production. This made him an appealing option for quarterback-needy teams.
“Jaxson Dart, to me, when you look at where we are right now with the league and with the quarterbacks, and you’ve got to keep up with your division? Jaxson Dart has got talent. We’re not forcing him up there. He’s 18 on my Big Board right now,” Kiper Jr. said.
“You look at the progression? 62%, 65%, and 69% this past year. 20, 23, 29 – progression in terms of touchdowns. Had had eight rushing touchdowns two years ago and 1,500 rushing yards the last three years. That’s the underrated part of this kid’s game. He’s tough, he’s fast, he’s athletic, he’s aggressive, and he will attack a defense. He will kill you on third down, man-coverage – he can go for 20, 30 yards.”
Despite Dart’s rise, Kiper Jr. and Get Up host Mike Greenberg don’t see this as a direct indictment of Sanders’ ability. Draft rankings fluctuate, and quarterbacks often slip a few spots before landing in favorable situations that help their long-term success. If Sanders were to fall slightly, it wouldn’t necessarily be a setback.
“If Shedeur does slide a little bit in the first or into the late, early second like some think? So be it,” Kiper Jr. said.
“It still would still bode well for Shedeur Sanders.”
Greenberg emphasized that a player’s draft position matters far less than the organization they join and the structure they enter.
“It’s more about where you wind up than what number you get picked,” Greenberg noted.
At this point, the quarterback rankings beyond Ward remain fluid, with Sanders, Dart, and potentially other names still in the mix.
New Orleans Saints’ Interest in Dart
With the quarterback debate heating up, Kiper Jr. has become increasingly confident that Dart will land with the Saints at No. 9. New Orleans desperately needs a long-term solution under center. And on the other hand, Dart appears to fit what they’re looking for in a franchise quarterback.
“Jaxson Dart, locked into the Saints at No. 9 for me right now,” Kiper Jr. revealed via Get Up.
“I think we look at Jaxson Dart, the improvement. The completion percentage is up every year. Interceptions down, and he maintained that at five, six. Touchdowns up every year. Jaxson Dart with his legs — 1,500 rushing yards the last three years. Eight rushing touchdowns two years ago. That’s the underrated part of Jaxson Dart’s game.”
Kiper Jr. also noted how the NFC South is evolving with young, high-ceiling quarterbacks. If the Saints hope to compete within the division, they need a quarterback who can match their rivals’ athleticism and playmaking ability.
“This is an NFC now adding Jayden (Daniels) and Caleb (Williams), Michael Penix Jr. — the division with Penix Jr.—and two number ones overall, Baker (Mayfield) and Bryce Young. Now, you get Jaxson Dart. You’ve got to keep up with the division. The Saints get a new coach and a new quarterback coming in together.”
KEEP READING: Five Replacements for Geno Smith in the 2025 NFL Draft Include Jaxson Dart, Cam Ward
The quarterback hierarchy is still taking shape, with just five weeks remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft. While Cam Ward remains locked as the first quarterback selected, the competition between Sanders and Dart for the second spot still unfolds. Dart’s rapid ascent has placed him firmly in the conversation, and if Kiper Jr.’s predictions hold, he could be headed to the Saints as a top-ten pick.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
