
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has recently garnered significant attention as a potential “major steal” in the 2025 NFL Draft.
His standout performance in the Gator Bowl, where he led the Rebels to a commanding 52-20 victory over Duke, has notably elevated his draft stock. In that game, Dart completed 27 of 35 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and his proficiency in executing complex throws reminiscent of NFL-level play.
Throughout the 2024 season, Dart demonstrated consistent excellence, amassing 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with a completion rate nearing 70%. His collegiate career has been marked by record-breaking achievements, including surpassing Eli Manning’s career passing yards to become Ole Miss’s all-time passing leader with 10,213 yards. Additionally, Dart ranks fourth in SEC history for total offense, accumulating over 12,000 career yards, a testament to his dual-threat capability and versatility on the field.
Despite these impressive statistics, Dart has often been overshadowed by other quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. However, his recent performances have caught the attention of NFL scouts. One scout noted, “He’s gonna be a major steal in the draft. Throws the ball down the field as well as anyone… Get Dart a couple speed guys and he can really hurt you.”
Dart’s physical attributes contribute significantly to his appeal as a draft prospect. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 225 pounds, he possesses above-average arm strength and the ability to utilize multiple arm slots, allowing him to adapt his throws based on defensive positioning. His athleticism enables him to extend plays outside the pocket, and he maintains a quick, snappy release when throwing on the move. These qualities make him a dynamic playmaker capable of executing both designed plays and improvisational scenarios.
However, there are areas where Dart will need to develop to succeed at the professional level. Concerns have been raised about his mental processing speed when reading defenses post-snap and his tendency to rely on initial reads, which may not always be viable against more complex NFL defenses. Additionally, his mechanics can deteriorate under pressure, leading to inaccuracies. Transitioning from Ole Miss’s offense, which often provides quarterback-friendly reads, to a pro-style system will require adjustment and growth.
The 2025 NFL Draft class presents a high demand for franchise quarterbacks, with limited supply. While prospects like Sanders and Ward are projected as top-five picks, Dart is emerging as a strong contender among the next tier of quarterbacks. His combination of physical talent, record-breaking collegiate performance, and recent surge in draft stock suggest that he could offer substantial value to teams seeking a quarterback in the middle rounds. With proper development and adaptation to the professional game’s complexities, Jaxson Dart has the potential to become a significant asset in the NFL, making him a prospect to watch closely as the draft approaches.