In what appears to be an underwhelming quarterback class compared to years past, teams planning to go QB must make the right choice. With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders being the names thrown out most often, some wonder if there is someone behind the scenes with more potential.
Why Jaxson Dart’s Ceiling May Be Higher Than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders
PFSN’s Marco Enriquez’s most recent mock draft may have Dart going after Ward and Sanders at the No. 26 spot, but he was not shy in saying why he thinks Dart is the truth.
“Dart is my QB1 in this class, just slightly ahead of the aforementioned Ward and Sanders. Some may not like his big-game-hunting play style at times, but with strong coaching, he has all the traits to be a franchise cornerstone,” he wrote.
“Dart demonstrates dual-threat capabilities with strong mobility and the ability to extend plays. His arm strength is promising, but improving his accuracy and decision-making under pressure are going to be a priority.”
Enriquez also gave his thoughts on the consensus top-two QBs in this year’s class: Ward (going No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns) and Sanders (going No. 3 overall to the New York Giants).
On Ward: “Ward has a lot of experience as a fifth-year player entering the draft. This experience has benefitted young quarterbacks as recently as this past year with Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. Ward is two tiers below Daniels in my current prospect grading, but the potential is palpable. His mechanics are also sound — the real questions about him at the next level will be about his decision-making and accuracy. The [team that drafts him] will need to surround him with high-IQ coaching and veterans.”
On Sanders: “He will come with the sideshow and distractions due to his name, but … Sanders is the most accurate passer in the class, and he has the mobility to extend plays. Many question his arm strength, but having Malik Nabers lessens the concerns about his early-career success. His biggest obstacle will be his awareness of pressure. He tends to hold onto the ball too long and can sometimes move into pressure rather than away from it.”
With an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, it’s very possible that Dart significantly helps his draft stock.
Dart’s Collegiate Numbers Prove More Than Appealing
The growth of the Ole Miss Rebel poses as an incredibly positive sign for things to come.
Starting his collegiate career with USC, Dart attempted 189 passes, completing 117 for a 61.9% rate. His 1,353 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns only improved when the 6-foot-2 QB transferred to Ole Miss. Steadily improving to over 2,000 pass yards, then over 3,000, and finally a 4,279-yard 2024 season, Dart is primed and ready for the NFL.
Passing yards were not the only statistic that Dart improved each season, as virtually every key stat rose with age. His final college tour puts him amongst the elite quarterbacks in this draft, as a 29-6 TD-INT ratio led the Rebels to a Gator Bowl appearance.
In said Gator Bowl, Dart dominated one final time, throwing for 404 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. His performance helped Ole Miss stomp the Duke Blue Devils 52-20.
Mock drafts across the social media landscape have Dart going anywhere from the first to the third round. Where he lands will be a mystery until the draft begins on April 24.