The New York Giants are staring down their most important offseason in years, and the quarterback decision is the biggest question mark. Holding the third overall pick in the draft, they’ve been linked to Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders—but with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns ahead of them, there’s no guarantee either will be left for the Giants to take.
That leaves general manager Joe Schoen and Big Blue with a tough decision: force a QB pick at No. 3 or pivot to another position and circle back later.
This is where Jaxson Dart comes in. The Ole Miss quarterback has been climbing draft boards, and at the Senior Bowl, he made sure to get himself on the Giants’ radar. When asked about potentially landing in New York, he didn’t flinch, calling it "a smooth transition.” He also said the Giants are a “great organization.” Add in his ties to Eli Manning and a potentially strong showing at the upcoming Senior Bowl in Mobile, and suddenly, he could be looking like a real option—especially if the Giants decide to trade out of the pick or wait until Round 2 to get their guy.
While his first day of practice at the Senior Bowl wasn't incredible, he still has plenty of time to make up for some possible day-one jitters.
Dart isn’t the headliner of this QB class, but he might be the best bet if the Giants don’t want to reach. And based on his confidence this week, he wouldn’t mind getting the chance to prove it.
Is Jaxson Dart the Giants' answer at QB?
Dart’s appeal starts with his experience in a pro-style system. After transferring to Ole Miss from USC, he thrived in head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense, showing quick decision-making, mobility, and the ability to push the ball downfield.
He’s not as flashy as Ward or Sanders, but he fits what Giants head coach Brian Daboll wants in a quarterback: a guy who can extend plays, stand tall in the pocket, and make throws. But wait, there's more.
Beyond that, there’s the Manning connection. Dart’s been working with Eli Manning since arriving at Ole Miss, a relationship he talked a bit about:
“My relationship started with them when I first got (to Ole Miss). They were one of the first families to reach out to me. It's been special how our bond and connections have been able to grow throughout my time there. Obviously just doing events with them and then at the same time, them coming to games and shooting 'good luck' texts. Manning Camp was also an amazing experience. They've been a huge asset for me. I look to continue to build that relationship with them.”
“It’s been special how our bond and connection has been able to grow.”
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) January 28, 2025
“It would be a smooth transition.”
Jaxson Dart talks about his relationship with the Manning family and the idea of landing with the Giants pic.twitter.com/NDtlja7bRi
That familiarity could ease his transition to New York. But is he worth taking at No. 3? Probably not. If the Giants decide to pass on Ward and Sanders, they could grab a game-changer like Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter, then circle back to QB at No. 34. That’s where Dart becomes a real possibility.
Regardless, the Giants need to get this pick right. If they’re set on a quarterback at No. 3, it’s probably Ward or Sanders. But if they wait? Don’t be shocked if Jaxson Dart is wearing blue next season.