The New York Giants will be the talk of the town on Sunday afternoon as first-round rookie Jaxson Dart prepares to make his first NFL start against the Chargers. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's future in New York will ultimately hinge on Dart's success, so Big Blue is doing all they can to ensure to set up the former Ole Miss standout for a strong debut.
The transition from Russell Wilson to Dart will likely open up the Giants' playbook, which is good news for both Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson - who struggled in Week 3 against the Chiefs. Week 4 will be just as much of a test for Daboll and Mike Kafka as it will for the 22-year-old QB, which is why offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemenor is one of many veterans standing behind the new QB1.
#NYGiants Eluemenor on dart - you have to do everything you can to make sure he feels confortable....excited for him, he does nice things with the deep ball...will have to get comfortable with him and rally behind him....pros know a change can happen at any time - you just rally
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) September 24, 2025
The NFL is a business and moves like this can happen whenever, but replacing a 10-time Pro Bowler for one of the league's premier franchises comes with additional pressure. Luckily, Dart has been receiving overwhelming support among the fanbase as well, so there is reason for optimism despite facing a tough matchup this afternoon.
Jaxson Dart is being set up to succeed as the Giants' QB1
Despite the Giants sitting at 0-3, Eleumenor has been one of the lone bright spots. According to Pro Football Focus, his 73.8 pass block grade sits 21st among all tackles, while his 63.4 PFF grade is 40th at the position. The 30-year-old has quietly been one of the most productive linemen in football this season, and has been a crucial presence in the locker room as well.
The good news for Dart is that Andrew Thomas returned to the lineup in Week 3, so the star tackle will make his life easier. Both Thomas and Eleumenor recorded a 100% pass block win rate against the Chiefs, and will need to do more of the same against a Jesse Minter defense that will be without Khalil Mack.
Across three seasons in Oxford, the Utah native threw for more than 10,000 yards and 70 touchdowns and was a First Team All-SEC honoree as a senior. Known for his toughness, mobility, and flair for the big moment, Dart is no stranger to bright lights—he embraces it.
However, Sunday’s debut in East Rutherford will come with a level of expectation and pressure unlike anything he’s faced before. After trading up for him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants are investing their future in Dart. Wilson has been willing to mentor him, and it seems like the kid lives and breathes football. With the support of his supporting cast, it's his opportunity to prove that that trust was well-placed.