Jaxson Dart takes a moment to appreciate his progress, feeling comfortable among teammates and in media interviews, embodying the role of a quarterback at the forefront of his team’s offense.
Yet, there’s still uncertainty about how well he understands the dynamics at play while on the field.
His speed is a point of comparison as he navigates a new environment filled with younger players. The focus now is on how he can apply his experience to guide those around him.
First impressions can be misleading, but sometimes they hold true.
The Giants selected Dart, who started for three years at Ole Miss, as their 25th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. By the time rookie minicamp kicked off, he was already working to rally his teammates.
“That means he’s incredibly smart,” said fellow rookie Cam Scottebo after an hour of practice held indoors due to rain. “I’ve talked to him for the last day, and he’s very sharp. He executed 7-for-7 on play calls and snap counts. I ensured everyone was in position.”
This is promising, but it’s not necessarily indicative of what the Giants are looking for as they adjust their strategy. As the third-string quarterback, behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jamis Winston, there’s no urgent need to rush his development.
Dart is viewed as a potential starter for the future. The question remains whether that will happen in the 2025 season or if it will take until 2026 for him to take the lead. Several factors will influence this timeline.
At just 21 years old, Dart seems eager to absorb knowledge quickly.
“As a quarterback, you’re captain of the ship,” he stated. “If you don’t understand everything thoroughly, you can’t prepare those around you, and that’s crucial. It’s essential to have that mindset and put in the work every day.”
“I believe it sets a standard for the whole team. To be successful and compete at the highest level, that’s the mindset a quarterback must have.”
Dart participated in the “7 o’clock seven” drills, completing passes that showcased his accuracy and speed.
Plays were communicated to him via an audio device by offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Players received practice scripts on Thursday night, and Dart took the initiative to connect with his teammates during the bus ride from the Giants facility to their hotel.
“As a quarterback, you need to ensure everyone knows their role,” he mentioned. “I tried to gather as many offensive players as I could, worked through it, and got everyone aligned.”
The learning process appears to be going smoothly.
New players are continuously absorbing information and are encouraged to reflect on what they’ve learned. While understanding everything perfectly is a challenge, it seems Dart is on the right path.
“It indicates that the coach is effectively communicating,” Scottebo pointed out. “For a rookie, that can be overwhelming. If you’re quick on your feet and know your stuff, it shows. Dart’s ability to hear a call once and execute it repeatedly is impressive.”
Dart remarked on developing a genuine bond with head coach Brian Daboll, stating that the Giants “put me through more tests than any other team.”
He passed enough of those assessments to be a valuable pick, but it’s clear that becoming an NFL quarterback is a journey that takes time.
