When it comes to quarterbacks, NFL teams are clearly after certain intangible traits, not just raw athletic ability or football skills.
There was a particular incident during Jaxson Dart’s senior year at Ole Miss that really caught the attention of the Giants. It made them think he had the potential to not only be a strong NFL passer but also a leader.
General Manager Joe Shane recalled how the Giants finished 25th overall after returning to the first round. This sparked his interest during a rivalry game against Mississippi State right after Thanksgiving. He noticed Dart actively engaging with the defense, which he reflected on in an interview.
“What really stands out about Jaxson is his passion for the game, his leadership among his teammates, and how he can cross the side of the ball,” Shane mentioned. “It’s not just about him being glued to the offense. He interacts with the defense as well. That’s critical in live situations—if you have a rough throw, who do you talk to when you’re on the sidelines?”
He continued, “You’re up, heading to the sidelines, and you see the defense there. Those are the things we take note of and really value.”
Interestingly, Dart received some guidance from former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis a couple of years back.
The Giants made trades to secure the 34th and 99th picks in this year’s draft, swapping their third-round pick in 2026 with the Texans. They chose Abdul Carter, a Penn State edge rusher, as the third overall pick before moving up to 25th to select Dart.
At just 22 years old, Dart has a chance to grow as a player, especially since the Giants have designated Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback.
