Jackson Dart: The QB Brian Daboll Likes for the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Buzz

As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, rumors are swirling about potential quarterback selections. One name that has recently gained traction is Jackson Dart, with reports suggesting that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has taken a liking to the young signal-caller.

Jordan Schultz's Report

NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently reported that Brian Daboll is fond of Jackson Dart. Schultz stated:

"Should the Giants pass on Shore Sanders with the number three pick, keep an eye out for Old Miss quarterback Jackson Dart, whose swashbuckling style and flair for the dramatic seems tailor-made for New York and who I'm told head coach Brian Daboll likes."

This report has sparked interest among Giants fans and draft analysts alike, as it could potentially impact the team's draft strategy.

Jackson Dart: A Closer Look

Physical Attributes and Age

Jackson Dart stands at 6'2" and weighs 223 pounds, making him a solid physical specimen for the quarterback position. At just 21 years old, he fits the profile of younger prospects that Giants general manager Joe Schoen has shown a preference for in recent drafts.

College Career and Statistics

Dart's college career began at USC before he transferred to Ole Miss, where he flourished under head coach Lane Kiffin. In his final season with the Rebels, Dart showcased impressive numbers:

• Completion percentage: 63.9%
• Passing yards: Nearly 4,300
• Total touchdowns: 32
• Interceptions: 6

These statistics demonstrate Dart's ability to perform at a high level in a competitive conference like the SEC.

Strengths in the Passing Game

Jackson Dart excelled in several key areas during his college career:

1. Deep ball proficiency: Ranked #1 in deep yards across all of college football
2. Big-time throw percentage: Tied for 6th
3. Average depth of target: 11.9 yards (tied for 6th)
4. Adjusted completion percentage: 77.7% (top 15 in the nation)

These metrics highlight Dart's ability to push the ball downfield and make challenging throws with accuracy.

Dual-Threat Capabilities

An often overlooked aspect of Dart's game is his mobility and ability to impact the game as a runner. His rushing statistics from the past season are impressive:

• Carries: 100
• Rushing yards: 648
• Yards per carry: 6.5
• Rushing touchdowns: 3
• Missed tackles forced: 22
• Yards after contact: 312

Dart's ability to extend plays with his legs and pick up crucial yardage on the ground adds another dimension to his game that NFL teams value highly in modern quarterbacks.

Draft Projections and Giants' Interest

According to Jordan Schultz, Jackson Dart is "unlikely to fall out of round one of the NFL draft." This projection suggests that if the Giants are truly interested in Dart, they may need to trade up from their current second-round position (34th overall) to secure him.

Several teams in the latter half of the first round could be potential landing spots for Dart:

• New Orleans Saints (9th overall)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (21st overall)
• Los Angeles Rams (potential interest in a quarterback)

If the Giants are committed to selecting Dart, they may need to be aggressive in moving up the draft board.

Scouting Report on Jackson Dart

Positives

1. Accuracy: Dart has shown the ability to make precise throws at all levels of the field.
2. Touch: He demonstrates good touch on his passes, especially in the intermediate range.
3. Deep ball efficiency: Dart excels at throwing the deep ball, which can stretch defenses and create big plays.
4. Mobility: His ability to run and create plays outside the pocket is a significant asset.
5. Arm strength: While not elite, Dart possesses an NFL-caliber arm.
6. Toughness and competitiveness: He displays the mental and physical toughness desired in NFL quarterbacks.

Areas for Improvement

1. Pocket presence: Dart sometimes struggles with pressure and needs to improve his awareness in the pocket.
2. Mental processing: His decision-making can be inconsistent, particularly when facing complex defensive looks.
3. Upside and ceiling: Some scouts question whether Dart has truly elite traits that would elevate him to a franchise quarterback level.
4. Performance in big moments: There are concerns about his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations consistently.

Expert Analysis: Dane Brugler's Take

Dane Brugler, a respected NFL draft analyst for The Athletic, offers valuable insights on Jackson Dart:

"A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Dart thrived in offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.'s spread, RPO-heavy, play-action scheme (No. 1 in passing EPA for dropbacks last year). After transferring out of USC once Caleb Williams arrived, he found a home with Lane Kiffin and left Oxford with numerous season and career records, including the Rebels' all-time lead in wins, passing yards and total offense.

With his physical tools and rhythm passing, he was an ideal fit in Kiffin's quarterback-friendly offense. Although the simplistic nature of the scheme leaves NFL scouts questioning his post-snap decision-making process when his reads aren't as structured and predetermined. The other key concern is his tendency to prematurely drop his eyes once the pocket gets heated. However, his athleticism to buy time and scramble for positive yards is an asset.

Overall, Dart needs to develop his progression-based reads and anticipation (things he wasn't asked to do regularly in college), but he is a natural thrower of the football with promising mobility and high-level competitive intangibles. If allowed to develop at his own pace, he offers NFL starting upside in the right situation."

Brugler's analysis aligns with many of the strengths and concerns mentioned earlier, providing a comprehensive view of Dart's potential as an NFL prospect.

Why Brian Daboll Might Like Jackson Dart

There are several reasons why Brian Daboll could be intrigued by Jackson Dart:

1. Arm talent: Dart has the necessary arm strength to make all the throws required in an NFL offense.
2. Mobility: His ability to extend plays and create with his legs fits the mold of modern NFL quarterbacks.
3. Deep ball accuracy: Dart's proficiency in throwing deep passes aligns with Daboll's offensive philosophy.
4. Middle of the field targeting: He shows a willingness and ability to attack the middle of the field, a crucial aspect of many NFL passing attacks.
5. Anticipation throws: While inconsistent, Dart has shown flashes of throwing with anticipation, a skill that can be developed further.
6. Competitive spirit: Dart's toughness and leadership qualities are likely appealing to Daboll.
7. Development potential: With the Giants having two veteran quarterbacks on the roster, Dart could benefit from a year of development before potentially taking over as the starter.

Conclusion: Is Jackson Dart the Right Fit for the Giants?

Jackson Dart presents an intriguing option for the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and potential for growth make him an attractive prospect, especially for a coach like Brian Daboll who has a history of developing quarterbacks.

However, the Giants will need to weigh the cost of potentially trading up to select Dart against other needs on their roster. Additionally, they must consider whether Dart's ceiling is high enough to warrant such an investment, given some of the concerns about his game.

Ultimately, if the Giants believe that Dart can develop into their franchise quarterback of the future, and if Brian Daboll is truly as high on him as reports suggest, we may see the team make a bold move to secure his services in the upcoming draft.

As the draft approaches, Giants fans and NFL observers alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this crucial decision. Whether Jackson Dart ends up in New York or elsewhere, his journey from college star to potential NFL starter will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow in the coming years.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7MUzzRsdHw