The two big quarterback names in the 2025 NFL Draft are Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, but Ole Miss Jaxson Dart could end up being a sneaky-good selection for a team that’s willing to take a chance on him — perhaps even in Round 1.
Dart has everything you look for in a modern NFL quarterback. He’s 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and has a blend of athleticism, arm strength and confidence that make NFL quarterbacks great.
Again, Ward and Sanders are getting all the hype, and they’re likely top-five picks when all is said and done, but NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. believes Dart can absolutely be a player in the league.
Speaking with Field Yates on “First Draft,” Kiper revealed that he believes Dart is the 15th to 17th best player in this draft. That means he’s definitely worth a first-round pick by talent alone, but more than anything, Kiper believes that he needs to end up in the right situation in order to eventually thrive in the league.
“Jaxson Dart has a really good skillset and he has the attitude, the approach I like. And, I think you look at the ability to come from that RPO offense? I think he has that talent,” Kiper Jr. said (h/t On3). “I think he’s the kind of guy you talk about, if he gets in the right offense and he gets a year to basically sit and watch and learn, has a little bit of time and isn’t force-fed, like we expect some quarterbacks to automatically be? With him, I think the time will be there if he goes to the right organization.”
Which team could that be? The Pittsburgh Steelers have pick No. 21 and they’re in desperate need of a long-term answer at quarterback. They may be hesitant to take a quarterback in Round 1 considering their recent failure with Kenny Pickett, but if Dart is around in Round 2 he could be a great fit for them.
The Seattle Seahawks at No. 18 could be another good option, as Dart could sit behind the newly signed Sam Darnold.
If the Browns pass on a quarterback at pick No. 2 overall, perhaps they’d go for Dart with the first pick in the second round.
There are options and Dart does have the chance to end up in a good position where he can sit, learn and develop into a star.
“Jaxson Dart, to me, is very intriguing. I like the skillset and I love the mindset as well with this kid,” Kiper said.
