Imagine watching a quarterback so skilled and composed under pressure that even the toughest scouts in the NFL start whispering about his potential. Now imagine that same quarterback has already impressed some of the biggest names in football, from seasoned head coaches to young up-and-comers. Jaxson Dart isn’t just making waves—he’s creating a storm, and the NFL world is taking notice.
Jaxson Dart’s College Legacy and Pro Day Showcase
At this point, it’s no surprise that Dart is climbing up draft boards at an incredible rate. With an extensive college career that included 41 starts in 45 games, split between USC and Ole Miss, he accumulated the kind of experience NFL scouts crave. Dart led the team to 10-3 and 11-2 records.
His stock skyrocketed following his Pro Day performance. The Manning Athletics Performance Center event in Oxford drew representatives from all 32 NFL teams, including three head coaches. Saints coach Kellen Moore, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer, and Giants quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney were among those paying close attention.
Dart threw around 65 passes, starting with quick lateral throws before transitioning into RPO-style plays, smoothly executing each one. His receiving corps featured standout names like Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Cayden Lee, Caden Prieskorn, and even Henry Parrish, who was coming off an ACL injury. One of the biggest highlights of the session? A stunning 55-yard sideline dart to Juice Wells that had the entire facility buzzing. While there were a few incompletions, most were due to dropped passes rather than inaccuracy.
The Kiffin Connection and Dart’s NFL Suitors
One of Dart’s biggest supporters during the showcase was Knox Kiffin, the 16-year-old son of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. Knox has been vocal about his admiration for Dart for quite some time, from sharing Instagram posts to attending events where the quarterback has shined. After Pro Day, Knox posted an excited message: “I see u!!”
Lane Kiffin’s QB Son Knox Kiffin Gives Jaxson Dart a 3-Word Shoutout pic.twitter.com/0wN07vY1uT
— go to ➡️ collegesportsnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) March 29, 2025
Beyond social media buzz, Dart’s performance captivated the attention of NFL teams looking for their next franchise quarterback. Giants coach Shea Tierney’s extended conversation with Dart following his workout only fueled speculation that New York might be interested in bringing him in.
Meanwhile, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum suggested an even more fascinating possibility—pairing Dart with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“If the four of us were running the Rams, we have to assume that Matthew Stafford is a year-to-year proposition,” Tannenbaum stated during an ESPN segment.
“If you can get Jaxson Dart, who led the NCAA in yards per pass attempt… he has great upside. If you can pair Jaxson Dart with Sean McVay, sign me up!”
A First-Round Lock?
Dart was widely considered QB3 in the 2025 draft class for months, sitting behind Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. However, his stock has risen dramatically since the NFL Combine, pushing him into potential top-10 territory. Some oddsmakers have even placed him in the QB2 conversation, with +1800 odds of being selected just behind Ward.
Despite his rapid ascent, some teams may hesitate due to lingering concerns about his decision-making under pressure. Scouts remember his struggles in the Florida game, where he missed open reads and made costly mistakes. Those moments have led some to question how he’ll handle complex NFL defenses.
Still, teams like the New York Giants could be eyeing him for a long-term plan. After moving on from Daniel Jones, the Giants shocked everyone by signing two veteran quarterbacks—Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston—to short-term deals totaling $29 million. While many assumed this meant they were out of the running for a rookie QB, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah presented an alternate perspective:
“Maybe that’s the situation where they come back in for the next pick… somebody that can help them right now… to complement the two veterans they signed… maybe they swoop back into the first round and come back for one of these quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart.”
Dart is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft. His arm talent, experience, and ability to make big-time throws have put him firmly on the radar of multiple teams. While his decision-making under pressure remains a work in progress, the right system and coaching staff could turn him into an elite NFL starter.
As SportsCenter analyst Mike Tannenbaum put it after watching Dart’s NFL Combine performance: “I thought he was the best quarterback on the field yesterday, and in my mind, he is the No. 3 quarterback in this year’s draft.”
He further emphasized Dart’s poise and accuracy, stating, “I thought he threw with delicious anticipation, good accuracy. As you alluded to, he wasn’t perfect, but again, he’s out working with his receivers.”
KEEP READING: Jaxson Dart to the Rams? L.A. Quietly Preps for Life After Matthew Stafford
Whether it’s the Giants, Rams, or another QB-needy team, one thing is sure—Dart’s journey is only beginning. His rise from dependable college quarterback to first-round NFL prospect has been remarkable. And with the draft quickly approaching, it’s only a matter of time before we find out where his next chapter begins.
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