Even after the New York Giants signed two veteran quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston during the offseason, the idea of taking a youngster like fast-rising Ole Miss prospect Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft is still very much at the front of Joe Schoen's mind.
Dart is regarded as a player who will likely be picked in either the late first round or early second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which could put New York in a position to acquire him.
When the NFL originally released its list of players who were invited to the 2025 Draft in Green Bay, Dart was in that select group. In a revised list, both he and Georgia's Mykel Williams were not among the invites, with Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston picking up a nomination.
This means one of two things. Either this has nothing to do with strategy and Dart is just deciding to watch the Draft with his family at home, or he may have received word that he is not going to be a first-round pick. The Giants may need to pay attention if it is the latter.
Giants QB target Jaxson Dart not attending NFL Draft
Dart is coming from an offense that doesn't operate like many pro-style schemes, and he doesn't have elite physical tools. The sum of it all renders him very unlikely to be an impact starter as a rookie. New York, who signed two veteran quarterbacks, could be a good spot for him to develop.
Dart's best traits are his tremendous intermediate accuracy, playmaking outside of the pocket, and willingness to take big shots down the field. Going to the Giants, who have an offensive coach in Brian Daboll, could be an ideal spot for a player like Dart, who needs a ton of attention.
If the Giants are going to eschew Shedeur Sanders at No. 3 overall, which seems likely at this point, Dart is the best option left on the board. Alabama's Jalen Milroe is so raw as a passer, Louisville's Tyler Shough will be 26 as a rookie and has durability issues, and Texas' Quinn Ewers lacks elite arm talent.
The Giants have had some luck with Ole Miss quarterbacks in the past, which could lead to them drafting Dart to be their next Eli Manning. If he is still there at No. 34 overall, it might be very difficult for them to pass on the talented Rebels gunslinger.