With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching – set to kick off on April 24 – buzz continues to build around Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose stock has surged dramatically in recent weeks.
Once considered a fringe first-rounder, Dart is now being discussed as a potential top-10 pick.
Following a standout college career, Dart has cemented himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
While projections vary, some draft experts believe he could slide into the 20s, with the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 emerging as a possible destination. Others, however, believe he won’t be waiting long to hear his name called.
One of the most eye-catching predictions came from former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, who offered a strong endorsement of Dart during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I’m a Jaxson Dart guy and I don’t think that he makes it out of the top ten,” Orlovsky said. “He sees it well and he can throw it.”
Dart’s rise has been fueled by a stellar final college season in which he completed 69.3% of his passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
On the ground, he added 495 rushing yards and three scores, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
His full collegiate résumé is equally impressive. Dart amassed 11,970 passing yards, 72 touchdown passes, and 27 interceptions over four seasons – one at USC and three at Ole Miss. He also contributed 1,541 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns with his legs.
Dart’s recent momentum has drawn serious attention from NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are reportedly still in pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, even if Pittsburgh were to land Rodgers, the team might still target Dart as their quarterback of the future.
“While it seems the Steelers are the most likely landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, signing him would not preclude them from looking toward the future at quarterback,” Yates stated.
“Rodgers is 41 years old, and each coming season is a true year-to-year proposition. But Pittsburgh hasn’t even signed Rodgers yet, meaning Mason Rudolph is the current QB1. Let’s lock up another signal-caller for the Steelers here.
“Dart broke Eli Manning’s school record at Ole Miss for passing yards (4,279) and led the FBS in yards per attempt (10.8) in 2024. He has good mobility and accuracy, throwing 52 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the past two seasons.”
Yates pointed out Dart’s record-breaking 2024 campaign, noting that he broke Eli Manning’s Ole Miss record for single-season passing yards and led the FBS with 10.8 yards per attempt.
Over the past two seasons, Dart threw for 52 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions, while also displaying mobility and poise in the pocket.
A potential pairing with Rodgers in Pittsburgh has intrigued many, with some drawing parallels to Rodgers’ own early NFL experience – sitting behind Brett Favre for three seasons before becoming the Green Bay Packers’ starter.
Similarly, Rodgers later mentored Jordan Love, who spent several years developing behind him before taking over the reins in Green Bay.
The Steelers, still seeking a long-term successor to Ben Roethlisberger since his 2021 retirement, have cycled through several quarterbacks including Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson.
Despite having a top-tier defense and a respected head coach in Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since January 2017.
For a franchise searching for stability under center, Jaxson Dart may offer both immediate potential and long-term promise – whether he lands in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in the opening round.
What are your thoughts on Dart as a prospect?
At the end of the day, where do you think he ends up getting drafted???
