In the 2025 NFL Draft, the New York Giants made a bold move by selecting quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. In a strategic gamble to secure their future under center, the Giants traded their 34th and 99th overall picks, along with a third-round selection in 2026, to the Houston Texans to grab the 25th overall pick. It’s a decision that signals both urgency and ambition, especially with GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll facing significant pressure heading into the season.
The Giants’ drive to find their franchise quarterback isn’t just about the here and now; it’s rooted in the history of the position. The NFL has seen how the right signal-caller can not only save jobs but transform entire franchises. We only need to look back to John Harbaugh, who turned his coaching fate around with Lamar Jackson, or Zac Taylor, whose fortunes shifted dramatically when Joe Burrow arrived. Even Bill Belichick experienced a challenging start until Tom Brady took over, highlighting just how crucial a franchise QB can be.
Now, the Giants are banking on Dart, who possesses many desirable traits that teams look for in a quarterback. The big question hovering over East Rutherford is whether Daboll and his staff can maximize Dart’s potential.
Dart stands out in this quarterback class, often considered a polarizing prospect. While opinions vary widely on where he should rank among his peers, there’s no denying his impressive production in the highly competitive SEC. Dart significantly boosted his performance metrics over his collegiate career, culminating in a strong 2024 season where he passed for 4,276 yards and 29 touchdowns, boasting an impressive completion rate of 69.2%. Advanced stats from PFF highlight his ability to excel under pressure, finishing first in passing grade and accuracy on intermediate throws, and second in success rate in challenging situations among the top quarterbacks.
Though Dart may lack the elite physicality associated with some of his counterparts, he brings to the table an arsenal of attributes that could project him to the next level. He may not have the strongest arm or dazzling running talent, but Dart is decisive, tough, and remarkably well-rounded. His solid arm strength juxtaposed with his knack for intermediate accuracy positions him as a quarterback who can evolve. Perhaps most importantly, Dart’s ability to maneuver within the pocket and make off-balance throws makes him a compelling option to lead a franchise.
The development Dylan has shown thus far bolsters the belief that he could emerge as a top-tier quarterback in the league. If Dart continues on this upward trajectory, there’s every reason to believe he could one day rank among the best in the NFL.
Now, let’s turn our attention to what the “Brian Daboll effect” could mean for Dart’s progression. Daboll is renowned for his previous work with quarterbacks, most notably with Josh Allen. Under Daboll’s guidance, Allen flourished from a raw talent into one of the league’s elite QBs. The question now is whether Daboll can replicate that success with Dart, who enters the league with his own set of questions.
What makes Daboll particularly suited to unlock Dart’s potential? It’s his adaptability and proven track record of developing QBs. While Dart might not share Allen’s physical gifts, both entered the league facing skepticism. It’s a coaching challenge that Daboll knows inside and out, and he has the flexibility to design plays that cater to his players’ strengths rather than forcing a fit.
While a significant question looms over the Giants’ offensive line—one that needs urgent attention to provide Dart the protection he will require—there are promising elements to consider on the roster. The Giants have fortified their defensive line and feature a game-changing wide receiver in Malik Nabers, not to mention a solid 2025 draft. The potential is there for a fruitful season if Dart can hit the ground running.
There’s plenty to be excited about as the Giants chart a new course with Jaxson Dart at the helm. With the right guidance and the evolving talent around him, Dart has the potential to establish himself as not just the standout quarterback of this draft class but also as a future star in the NFL. The stage is set for him to thrive, and one can’t help but feel optimistic about his chances of finding success in the league.
