If you believe in omens, you might want to look away.
Giants rookie quarterback Jackson Dart kicked off training camp with a rough start, throwing a pick six on his very first attempt during 11-on-11 drills, a short pass aimed at the center that landed right in the hands of cornerback Nick Jones.
Dart, selected as the No. 25 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, noticed Jones quickly move across the field at Revley.
“I thought I could outpace him,” Dart remarked. “We go back and try to get it along the outer shoulders. That’s just the speed you encounter in the NFL. There’s a lot of talent out here, so we’ll work to adjust.”
For those who prefer not to dwell on the negative, Dart quickly turned things around. He completed just two plays but connected with tight end Theo Johnson for a touchdown shortly after.
As a quarterback poised to lead the franchise, Dart has some room to learn and grow, particularly since veteran Russell Wilson is slated to take the starting position as training camp unfolds.
Nevertheless, Dart is vying for a spot on the depth chart, contending with veteran Jameis Winston for the backup role behind Wilson.
In response to questions about the competition for the No. 2 spot, Coach Brian Daboll stated, “We’re practicing hard, and everyone’s competing. When the roster is final, it will be final.”
At just 22 years old, Dart is expected to continue developing after a standout career at USC, which spanned three impressive years.
General Manager Joe Schoen is known for his patience, and the franchise seems committed to supporting Dart as he navigates his early career. He has already demonstrated a fair amount of resilience.
“He’s got a solid mindset,” Wilson said about Dart. “He sits next to me during meetings, and we chat quite a bit. I like him; he asks a ton of questions, and I’m always happy to help.”
