If you just glance at the New York Giants' 4-8 record from this past season, you might think Jaxson Dart had a typical, forgettable rookie campaign. You’d be wrong. Honestly, the 2025 season was a masterclass in how a young quarterback can thrive even when the world around him is a bit of a mess.
Coming out of Ole Miss, the Jaxson Dart scouting report was basically a Rorschach test for NFL evaluators. Some saw a "system QB" who padded stats in Lane Kiffin’s turbo-charged RPO offense. Others saw a gritty, high-ceiling playmaker who broke Eli Manning’s career passing record (10,617 yards) for a reason.
Now that we’ve seen him navigate 14 games in a Giants jersey—throwing for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns—the picture is getting a lot clearer. He isn’t just a product of a scheme; he’s a distributor with a mean streak.
The Physical Toolkit: More Than Just a Fastball
Dart stands about 6-foot-2 and weighs in around 225 pounds. He’s built like a linebacker, and he plays with that same disregard for his own safety. You’ve probably seen the highlights of him lowered his shoulder against NFL veterans in the open field. It’s a bit terrifying if you’re a Giants fan, but it’s part of the "Dart experience."
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His arm strength has always been a point of debate. During his time in Oxford, critics said he lacked "elite" velocity. But if you watch his rookie tape, specifically that 13-yard dot to Tyrone Tracy in Week 18, you see a guy who understands "functional" arm strength. He doesn't need to throw it 80 yards. He needs to fit it between a linebacker and a safety in a muddy pocket. He does that.
Why the "RPO Merchant" Label Was Wrong
At Ole Miss, Dart led the FBS in nearly every efficiency category in 2024, including a massive 180.7 passer rating. A lot of that was attributed to "easy" reads. However, NFL scouts like Daniel Jeremiah noted early on that his "eyes work fast."
In the pros, we’ve seen that translate to a lightning-quick release. He’s particularly lethal in the short-to-intermediate game. According to PFF, Dart had the highest accuracy percentage in the FBS on throws between 5 and 25 yards. In the NFL, he’s maintained that, showing a "snappy" release that makes up for not having a Patrick Mahomes-level cannon.
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The Flaws: Where the "Rookie" Shows
It hasn't all been Gator Bowl MVPs and record-breaking afternoons. The Jaxson Dart scouting report still has some red ink on it.
- Mechanics under fire: When the pocket collapses, Dart’s footwork can get a "mind of its own." He starts trying to "aim" the ball instead of throwing it, leading to those high, sailing passes over the middle.
- The "One-Read" Trap: At Ole Miss, his PFF grade dropped from a 92.9 on his first read to a 60.3 when he had to scan the whole field. We saw this in his 5 interceptions this year. If the primary look isn't there, he occasionally panics and tries to force a "wow" play.
- Pocket Presence: He bails. He just does. Sometimes he leaves a perfectly clean pocket because his internal clock is running about a half-second too fast.
Comparing Him to the Greats (and Not-So-Greats)
Scouts love a good comparison. Most settled on a "Cousins-plus" or a "Rich Man’s Bo Nix."
Kirk Cousins is the gold standard for Dart’s ceiling in terms of rhythm and accuracy. But Dart has a rushing upside Cousins never dreamed of. Dart put up 487 yards on the ground this year. That’s not "scrambler" territory; that’s "weapon" territory.
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Some old-school scouts even brought up Christian Ponder, which feels a bit harsh given Dart's significantly better production in a much tougher SEC environment. A more realistic floor? Maybe a slightly more athletic version of Baker Mayfield—someone who lives on energy and can get hot enough to carry a team for a month.
What’s Next for the Giants' Signal Caller?
The jump from Lane Kiffin’s "gimmicky" (their words, not mine) offense to an NFL playbook is a mountain to climb. But Dart has already shown he can handle the "whiteboard" side of the game. He’s already beaten the Eagles and the Chargers in his first dozen starts. That doesn't happen by accident.
If you’re a scout or a fantasy owner looking at Dart for 2026, the focus has to be on his post-snap processing. Can he learn to love the check-down? Can he stay in the pocket for one more heartbeat?
Actionable Insights for Following Dart's Development:
- Watch the Feet: If Dart’s base stays wide and planted in the fourth quarter, he’s evolving. If he’s on his tiptoes, expect a turnover.
- Red Zone Efficiency: His ability to use his legs (9 rushing TDs in his first 14 games) makes him a nightmare inside the 10-yard line. Look for the Giants to lean into more designed QB draws.
- Third-Down Conversions: Dart’s "makeup and intangibles" are his best traits. He’s a winner who broke records at USC and Ole Miss for a reason. Watch how he handles 3rd-and-long; that’s where franchise QBs are made.
The Jaxson Dart scouting report is no longer just a projection. It’s a living document of a young kid proving that "system QBs" can actually just be "good QBs" in the right hands.