College QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (2 Viewers)

[BigTex]

He should have his own thread! Since his time at USC, we have seen Jaxson Dart slowly improve and develop into one of the better quarterbacks in the nation. His 4,279 passing yards led the SEC this season, while his 29 passing touchdowns were second, all en route to a nation-leading 180.7 passer rating. With over 1,500 career rushing yards, Dart also offers plenty with his legs. He has driven his name up draft boards, and the Senior Bowl is another spot for him to continue his ascension. With week-long exposure to an NFL coaching staff, I wouldn’t be surprised if his arm talent doesn’t entice more than one team to take a shot at him.

Tex

 

[Gatorade]

curious to see how he does in the senior bowl. with this weak QB class, someone will take the chance on him. there seem to be more QB needy teams than there are prospects.

 

[The Frankman]

I just want to state this early before the Combine that I'm a fan of Dart. I've seen Giants mocks where people mock Jalen Milroe in the 2nd to the Giants and I'm like "NO THANK YEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW..."

if you want to take some of this for an OP


Jaxson Dart, a quarterback from Ole Miss, is projected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, some analysts and mock drafts have him going as early as the first round.

Strengths: Tough and competitive, well-rounded game, good arm and mobility, and able to change the speed of his passes.

Weaknesses: Average frame and size (6'2, 220), lacks a defining trait, slow processor, struggles to throw under pressure, and lacks confidence throwing against man-to-man coverage.

Projection

• ESPN's Mel Kiper: Ranked Dart as the third-best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft
• ESPN draft expert Matt Miller: Predicted that some would consider Dart in the first round.
• CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst: Believed Dart could reach the second round if he performs well in the pre-draft process

Declaration

• Dart declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after his team's regular season finale against Mississippi State
• He played his final game for Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl against Duke on January 2

 

[Harjiran]

Also he's aerodynamic and always on target!

 

[LawFitz]

I see a lot of Bo Nix in this kid's highlights. The progression of their college stats is comparable as well, when you consider Dart coming out after year 4, while Nix played 5.

- YouTube​

youtu.be

Jaxson Dart College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits | College Football at Sports-Reference.com​

www.sports-reference.com

Bo Nix College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits | College Football at Sports-Reference.com​

www.sports-reference.com

 

[JohnnyU]

Only thing I remember about Dart is him telling his RB to go down and fake an injury, per instructions from Kiffin. UK beat them anyway. Ha ha.

 

[Faust]

CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst weighs in on Jaxson Dart's draft whereabouts ahead of big opportunities

Jim Nagy: NFL Teams Buzzing Over Jaxson Dart’s Senior Bowl Invite More Than Any Other QB

Jaxson Dart NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Ole Miss QB

Jaxson Dart 2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report For Ole Miss Rebels QB

 

[LawFitz]

CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst weighs in on Jaxson Dart's draft whereabouts ahead of big opportunities

"The other quarterback I just want to throw into this discussion (at pick six to the Raiders)," Kiper began. "We've thrown all these other guys out there. I think a guy who's going to be one of the more underrated guys--he had a heck of a bowl game--I'm going Jaxson Dart. Jaxson Dart. I watched him. I went back and studied him this week. I've waited and waited. He's my QB3. He's solidly QB3. I'm looking at what he's lacking. He's a great athlete. He can run. He can beat you with his legs. He can make every throw. He makes "wow" throws, rolling left, rolling right. His accuracy, he was around 69 percent or 70 percent this year...Bottom line is, Jaxson Dart, I think he has the talent level, the mindset, everything, to be a heck of a quarterback." - Mel Kiper

I'm not a Kiper fan, and this is the first time I've heard anyone (but me) wonder out loud why Dart isn't being mentioned as a first rounder, but I quickly noticed all of the bolded within 15 minutes of studying this guy for the first time last week. This kid has an arm, a quick release, quick legs, doesn't panic under pressure, has 3.5 years of starting experience, stats markedly improved annually, 6'2'' 225 lbs. I don't get what's missing here.

Watch Dart's highlights, then watch Ward's. I like Ward's legs a tad better, but I like Dart's arm better by a fair margin. Curious to see if the draft expectation gap between the two gets bridged. This exact time last season, Penix, Nix and McCarthy were being called 2nd rounders as well.

 

[Faust]

Charlie Weis
Let me say this before Senior Bowl week starts. I have watched every snap of Jaxson Dart for the last 3 years plus have seen his leadership and approach off the field. By next Monday, he will be considered a first round pick. It's easy to wait to make that call. Not necessary!

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On radio last year, I said as early as February that Daniels was my preference and that I couldn't understand why Bo Nix was not in the discussion with the top QB's. This year's Bo Nix is Jaxson Dart. Some team will get second guessed then be very happy.

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[LawFitz]

One thing I will say I have zero idea about is Dart's personality/character, which is a gigantic X-factor for all prospects. Who is tuned into his time at Ole Miss who can comment on this?

QB in particular, is a position where this aspect is critically important. You don't need to be the choir boy that is JJM, but you certainly can't be the 180 Ryan Leaf, or your own locker room will eat you alive.

My only clues so far are a couple rumblings I've read about Dart's bravado, and that he has a lil brother named Diesel, who is currently on the high school recruiting trail. In today's age of distinguished baby naming, Diesel (assuming birthname) shouldn't be a red flag, but it's a peek into the personality/mindset of the father, who clearly wasn't worried about putting too much alpha pressure on his lil man!

None of the above is meant to deter or detract. Just simply wondering stuff out loud to stoke further discussion about what should be a KEY facet to this prospect's grade.

 

[pinkstapler]

When taking their current ADPs into consideration (which I'm sure will change), Dart is my favorite QB of this class.

 

[menobrown]

this is the first time I've heard anyone (but me) wonder out loud why Dart isn't being mentioned as a first rounder

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 came out this morning and he had Dart as QB3 and player 41.

Typically, if you got a QB ranked that high overall, especially in a weak QB class, they end up being first round players.

For comparisons sake he had Penix as player 40 in his first top 50 last year(Nix and JJ in low to mid 20's).

So to your point I think not only is first round in play, but we should not rule anything out after just seeing Penix go 8.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

One thing I will say I have zero idea about is Dart's personality/character, which is a gigantic X-factor for all prospects. Who is tuned into his time at Ole Miss who can comment on this?

QB in particular, is a position where this aspect is critically important. You don't need to be the choir boy that is JJM, but you certainly can't be the 180 Ryan Leaf, or your own locker room will eat you alive.

My only clues so far are a couple rumblings I've read about Dart's bravado, and that he has a lil brother named Diesel, who is currently on the high school recruiting trail. In today's age of distinguished baby naming, Diesel (assuming birthname) shouldn't be a red flag, but it's a peek into the personality/mindset of the father, who clearly wasn't worried about putting too much alpha pressure on his lil man!

None of the above is meant to deter or detract. Just simply wondering stuff out loud to stoke further discussion about what should be a KEY facet to this prospect's grade.

My son goes to Ole Miss. He's fairly revered there and Kiffin loves the kid, but I think one of his NIL deals was for private jets or something of that ilk which I thought was mind blowing.

I thought he came up short in big games more often than not, but he definitely showed improvement throughout his time there. But this was just such a lost opportunity this year for Ole Miss insofar as missing the playoffs largely because of a loss at home to Kentucky. And just when it looked like they would overcome that, a stinker against (@) FLA in which Dart looked pedestrian both games. His best game IMO was 20223 vs LSU. Not even close. Aside from an arse whooping he put on ARK, I also thought he was worse this year against SEC competition, but he was down his best WR.

That said, his physical profile does fit the pro bill so to speak, and I had originally thought he was more of a Day 2 pick, but I think he'll need a redshirt type season in 2025.

 

[Bri]

A month or so ago draft sites were all about his issues and saying he could be high second or all about how good he was and could be 3-5th round.
I've been saying - we all know those guys are not done rating and evaluating here- because those don't mesh.

I'm noticing writers saying he had very good games and poor games- generally technique and stuff QB nitpickers talk about, not so much stats.

Right now I am totally talking just the ranking of where he goes- I'm predicting a third round pick. Sort of in the middle of where they are now.

They can give more details and all but it seems clear that it's a question of can the coaching staff bring that good out in him consistently and drill him til he doesn't make mistakes.

I think there's a stigma about second round and QBs. I've noticed it often since Malik. I think first and second round QBs cost GM jobs but third is a manageable risk.

 

[Bri]

this is the first time I've heard anyone (but me) wonder out loud why Dart isn't being mentioned as a first rounder

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 came out this morning and he had Dart as QB3 and player 41.

Typically, if you got a QB ranked that high overall, especially in a weak QB class, they end up being first round players.

For comparisons sake he had Penix as player 40 in his first top 50 last year(Nix and JJ in low to mid 20's).

So to your point I think not only is first round in play, but we should not rule anything out after just seeing Penix go 8.

I keep reading his decision making has been sharp and not good. That's usually the quality that can ding a QB.
I'd be curious what people say of this.
Is he Levis or testaverde or just typical kid?

 

[Gandalf]

Isn't he more of a system QB?

 

[Hankmoody]

Also he's aerodynamic and always on target!

Sharp kid. Tosses a lot of bullseyes.

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL Draft: ESPN analyst names biggest concern with QB Jaxson Dart

 

[Harjiran]

Also he's aerodynamic and always on target!

Sharp kid. Tosses a lot of bullseyes.

He's as straight as an arrow but you can have a beer with him too.

 

[Bri]

A month or so ago draft sites were all about his issues and saying he could be high second or all about how good he was and could be 3-5th round.
I've been saying - we all know those guys are not done rating and evaluating here- because those don't mesh.

I'm noticing writers saying he had very good games and poor games- generally technique and stuff QB nitpickers talk about, not so much stats.

Right now I am totally talking just the ranking of where he goes- I'm predicting a third round pick. Sort of in the middle of where they are now.

They can give more details and all but it seems clear that it's a question of can the coaching staff bring that good out in him consistently and drill him til he doesn't make mistakes.

I think there's a stigma about second round and QBs. I've noticed it often since Malik. I think first and second round QBs cost GM jobs but third is a manageable risk.

@LanceZierlein
The amount of QBs drafted per round over the last 10 drafts:
1st: 35
2nd: 6
3rd: 13

With no 5th year option, the 2nd round is a ghost town. If you like a QB but have a 2nd rnd grade on him - push him to 1st. If you're not sure drop him to the 3rd where expectations take a drop

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL Draft: NFL insider highlights Jaxson Dart rise, makes intriguing comparison to Bo Nix

 

[Faust]

Todd McShay
Just wrapped up two tapes on Jaxson Dart (LSU, SC ‘24). Neither were great stat-line gms and LSU was a loss, but a LOT of positive takeaways. His natural ball placement is underrated and he shows a lot of awareness on certain throws. Really excited to share more throughout Senior Bowl week, but don’t be surprised if Dart winds up as QB3 in this class!

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[Faust]

Analyst breaks down what Jaxson Dart must show teams before 2025 NFL Draft

 

[travdogg]

A month or so ago draft sites were all about his issues and saying he could be high second or all about how good he was and could be 3-5th round.
I've been saying - we all know those guys are not done rating and evaluating here- because those don't mesh.

I'm noticing writers saying he had very good games and poor games- generally technique and stuff QB nitpickers talk about, not so much stats.

Right now I am totally talking just the ranking of where he goes- I'm predicting a third round pick. Sort of in the middle of where they are now.

They can give more details and all but it seems clear that it's a question of can the coaching staff bring that good out in him consistently and drill him til he doesn't make mistakes.

I think there's a stigma about second round and QBs. I've noticed it often since Malik. I think first and second round QBs cost GM jobs but third is a manageable risk.

@LanceZierlein
The amount of QBs drafted per round over the last 10 drafts:
1st: 35
2nd: 6
3rd: 13

With no 5th year option, the 2nd round is a ghost town. If you like a QB but have a 2nd rnd grade on him - push him to 1st. If you're not sure drop him to the 3rd where expectations take a drop

Which is kind of weird, because the list of QBs who play on the 5th year option is close to zero. They either get extended beforehand, or the team has already moved on, so the 5th year option (at least at QB) is kind of meaningless.

 

[LawFitz]

A month or so ago draft sites were all about his issues and saying he could be high second or all about how good he was and could be 3-5th round.
I've been saying - we all know those guys are not done rating and evaluating here- because those don't mesh.

I'm noticing writers saying he had very good games and poor games- generally technique and stuff QB nitpickers talk about, not so much stats.

Right now I am totally talking just the ranking of where he goes- I'm predicting a third round pick. Sort of in the middle of where they are now.

They can give more details and all but it seems clear that it's a question of can the coaching staff bring that good out in him consistently and drill him til he doesn't make mistakes.

I think there's a stigma about second round and QBs. I've noticed it often since Malik. I think first and second round QBs cost GM jobs but third is a manageable risk.

@LanceZierlein
The amount of QBs drafted per round over the last 10 drafts:
1st: 35
2nd: 6
3rd: 13

With no 5th year option, the 2nd round is a ghost town. If you like a QB but have a 2nd rnd grade on him - push him to 1st. If you're not sure drop him to the 3rd where expectations take a drop

Which is kind of weird, because the list of QBs who play on the 5th year option is close to zero. They either get extended beforehand, or the team has already moved on, so the 5th year option (at least at QB) is kind of meaningless.

Most star players are extended a year early (Cowboys notwithstanding). So the 5th year gets you four years of a stud-rookie contract, instead of three. Theoretically. Reality is nothing is stopping a stud player from holding out after year 3, if severely underpaid. Pretty sure Jamar Chase tried to do exactly that this past offseason, but ultimately backed down and showed up.

 

[menobrown]

A month or so ago draft sites were all about his issues and saying he could be high second or all about how good he was and could be 3-5th round.
I've been saying - we all know those guys are not done rating and evaluating here- because those don't mesh.

I'm noticing writers saying he had very good games and poor games- generally technique and stuff QB nitpickers talk about, not so much stats.

Right now I am totally talking just the ranking of where he goes- I'm predicting a third round pick. Sort of in the middle of where they are now.

They can give more details and all but it seems clear that it's a question of can the coaching staff bring that good out in him consistently and drill him til he doesn't make mistakes.

I think there's a stigma about second round and QBs. I've noticed it often since Malik. I think first and second round QBs cost GM jobs but third is a manageable risk.

@LanceZierlein
The amount of QBs drafted per round over the last 10 drafts:
1st: 35
2nd: 6
3rd: 13

With no 5th year option, the 2nd round is a ghost town. If you like a QB but have a 2nd rnd grade on him - push him to 1st. If you're not sure drop him to the 3rd where expectations take a drop

Which is kind of weird, because the list of QBs who play on the 5th year option is close to zero. They either get extended beforehand, or the team has already moved on, so the 5th year option (at least at QB) is kind of meaningless.

Most star players are extended a year early (Cowboys notwithstanding). So the 5th year gets you four years of a stud-rookie contract, instead of three. Theoretically. Reality is nothing is stopping a stud player from holding out after year 3, if severely underpaid. Pretty sure Jamar Chase tried to do exactly that this past offseason, but ultimately backed down and showed up.

I think what normally happens with star players is the teams pick up the 5th year option, and when they extend them they still will play on that 5th year extension, it's just kind of morphed into the additional years of the extension.

In this case the 5th year option provides some benefits. For one it's often a little lower then what they sign their extension and it also gives teams and extra season to prorate the bonus and spread out the cap hit.

 

[menobrown]

Also I came here to post on Dart that McShay was saying yesterday, and some others have backed him up, that some teams are telling him they got Dart as QB2 right now. I doubt he goes that high, but adds more fuel to him possibly being a first round guy......having totally nothing to do with his value I sure hope he cans that hoodie under the pads look. I just hate it, stupid when you are wearing a helmet, just gives people something to grab. Old man rant over.

 

[Faust]

Dan Orlovsky makes bold Jaxson Dart, 2025 NFL Draft prediction

 

[rockaction]

Jets sit at seven and in desperate need of a QB.

 

[rockaction]

Why does his back foot come up when he throws? Eesh. That looks awkward.

 

[IHEARTFF]

I like him. Imagine not drafting a QB named Dart when you don’t have a QB on your team.

 

[Faust]

Jim Nagy
𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart named top QB on American squad in vote from CB & DS position groups at Practice Player-of-the-Week awards ceremony today at 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE

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[Chaka]

Jim Nagy
𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart named top QB on American squad in vote from CB & DS position groups at Practice Player-of-the-Week awards ceremony today at 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE

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That reads like an Onion headline.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Studly so far in his first few senior bowl game plays. Long completion, TD run, 2 pt toss.

 

[The Frankman]

FANTASYLife QB Profile series: Jaxson Dart 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report by Thor Nystrom

 

[C & C]

FANTASYLifeQB Profile series:Jaxson Dart 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report by Thor Nystrom

Thanks. That was a good read. I enjoyed the style of the writer. Might need to explore more.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft 2025 Rumors: Jaxson Dart 'Intrigues the Jets' amid Aaron Rodgers Exit Buzz

 

[Faust]

Austin Abbott
Jaxson Dart’s Advanced Analytics:

11.9 Average Depth of Target
7.1% Big Time Throw Rate
10.7 Yards Per Attempt

They were ALL better than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders

The most impressive part? Jaxson Dart accomplished this while having LESS time to throw (2.77) than them

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Jason Lewis
He plays in a veer and shoot offense so naturally his ADOT, BTTR, and YPA are going to be higher than Ward and Sanders.
Just putting that out there

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[BigTex]

I’d like to grab him in the back end of the 3rd round but I’m not sure he’ll be there.

Tex

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL Draft: ESPN evaluates Jaxson Dart fit with Pittsburgh Steelers

 

[pinkstapler]

I’d like to grab him in the back end of the 3rd round but I’m not sure he’ll be there.

Tex

In SF or nonSF? In SF at this point you'd be lucky to get him as a mid 2nd. Currently rookie 14 on KTC.

 

[BigTex]

I’d like to grab him in the back end of the 3rd round but I’m not sure he’ll be there.

Tex

In SF or nonSF? In SF at this point you'd be lucky to get him as a mid 2nd. Currently rookie 14 on KTC.

Thanks for dashing all my dreams and hopes……even though my dream and hope is that you’re wrong

Tex

 

[pinkstapler]

I’d like to grab him in the back end of the 3rd round but I’m not sure he’ll be there.

Tex

In SF or nonSF? In SF at this point you'd be lucky to get him as a mid 2nd. Currently rookie 14 on KTC.

Thanks for dashing all my dreams and hopes……even though my dream and hope is that you’re wrong

Tex

He could do poorly in the combine, or even some of the other non-Ward/Sanders QBs could do well, and he may drop a bit. But a lot of the senior bowl hype pushed his value up pretty high pretty quickly (which is a little odd to me because he didn't even really do THAT great, a lot of daily write ups read as though Dart was up and down throughout the week).

 

[Faust]

Jaxson Dart Draft and Combine Prospect Profile (NFL.com)

 

[Faust]

Report: Jaxson Dart could become QB2 in 2025 NFL Draft with strong Combine workout

 

[rockaction]

FANTASYLifeQB Profile series:Jaxson Dart 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report by Thor Nystrom

Thanks. That was a good read. I enjoyed the style of the writer. Might need to explore more.

Thor Nystrom has been around for a bunch of years. He was with a few publications. He's an effective communicator more than he is a lifelong draftnik. It's hard to get an MFA in writing from Iowa. Extraordinarily hard. You have to be among the best in the world to have that happen. Here, I did a quick search. This is from his own bio in the "About Me" section of his website.

"Thor Nystrom is a college football and NFL Draft analyst for Fantasy Life. In 2018, Thor was named the FSWA College Sports Writer of the Year, the top award in the industry. Thor’s writing has also been honored by Rolling Stone magazine, The Best American Essays series and the Hearst Foundation. Educated at the Universities of Kansas (BS) and Iowa (MFA), Thor got his sports writing start with MLB.com covering the Minnesota Twins. Prior to his time at Fantasy Life, he was the lead CFB/NFL Draft analyst at NBC Sports’ Rotoworld and FantasyPros. When Thor isn’t watching college football, he enjoys playing CFB25, swinging for the nets at Top Golf, and spending time by the water in his native Minnesota."

This guy is "fantasy in bio" all over. I'm not pooping on him. Just use caution. He is indeed a lot better than other amateur scouts and would-be's, but he isn't perfect.

 

[Faust]

Kosko: Why Jaxson Dart should be a top-15 player in the 2025 NFL Draft class

 

[Faust]

Shane P. Hallam
You can see Jaxson Dart continue getting better at his footwork and drop.

Combine was an improvement over the Senior Bowl. Gotta like the progression in just a month.

https://x.com/shanephallam/status/1895969883999126006?s=61

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft Files
Jaxson Dart’s best throws from the Combine

EASILY the best QB in the group.

https://x.com/nfl_df/status/1895963611597804017?s=61

 

[Faust]

Jordan Reid
Thought Jaxson Dart threw the ball well. The ball came out of his hand clean, on-time and accurate. A positive sign for a QB still new to true dropback throws from under center.

https://x.com/jordan_reid/status/1895963949314818544?s=61