While just about everyone in the NFL has been focused on Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jalen Milroe going in the first round of the NFL Draft, one name that hasn’t been talked about as much is Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart.
But one former NFL QB is singing the former Rebels QB’s praises ahead of the draft.
Dan Orlovsky Thinks Highly of Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky thinks that Dart is one of the best QBs in the draft and posted this on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Jaxson Dart is going in round 1”
Jaxson Dart is going in round 1
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 31, 2025
Dart has been under the radar but had a really good year in 2024 at Ole Miss. He threw for over 4,200 yards as well as 29 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He was also a CSN first-team All-SEC QB while leading the Rebels to a 10-3 record and the Gator Bowl.
He is also seemingly moving up draft boards as he has been a hot name in recent weeks. NFL scouts are reportedly impressed with his ability to pass the football and his running ability. Dart has been impressive in Senior Bowl workouts, which is why he may be moving up in the draft from a potential second- or third-round pick to a first-round pick.
Another ESPN personality who was impressed with Dart was Louis Riddick, who said, “He can push the ball wherever you need him to.”
PFN’s own NFL Draft experts think that Dart would be a nice pickup for an NFL team, but he might not be quite to the point of being a starter just yet.
“Dart would be best served to land in an organization where he can sit behind an established starter for a year or two,” wrote Reese Decker. “He has the necessary tools and pedigree to have success in this league, but the transition is likely a lofty hurdle.
“Dart’s positional value, combined with a relatively thin and underwhelming quarterback class, will likely push him higher than his performance grade might typically place him. In most years, Dart would likely be a third- or early fourth-round pick, but with the supply and demand at the quarterback position in 2025, there’s a legitimate case for him to be a dark horse who could find his way into the first or early second round.”
No one seems to be questioning Dart’s abilities or his mental and physical toughness, the only thing in question seems to be whether he will be ready on Day 1; right now, he may not be, but it doesn’t mean he can’t be or won’t be a starter in this league in the future.
