The New York Giants made a strategic move during the NFL Draft, acquiring a potential future franchise quarterback by returning to the first round. The team selected Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick, a decision made after enhancing their defense by picking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3. General Manager Joe Schoen hinted earlier with a coy “we’ll see” when asked if they had finished picking for the night. Surprisingly, they weren’t done yet.
The Giants successfully negotiated for Houston’s 25th pick to select Dart by trading their own second-round pick (No. 34), a third-round pick (No. 99), and an additional third-round selection in next year’s draft to the Texans. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jaxson Dart to the organization and are eager to work with him,” Schoen expressed.
Currently, the Giants host veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson, who is expected to start in the upcoming season, and Jameis Winston, both acquired last month. Fan favorite Tommy DeVito is also in the lineup, yet the team lacked a clear long-term plan for the quarterback position. This draft-day move aims to amend that gap — similar to their strategy in 2004, acquiring Eli Manning from the Chargers, who became a pivotal leader and secured two Super Bowl victories for the team. The Giants hope for similar success with Dart.
With Wilson and Winston in place, Dart isn’t expected to be rushed onto the field during his first season. “This is where my journey begins,” Dart enthused during a video call. “I’m joining an impressive group with a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who views the game from a unique perspective. Learning from him, Tommy, and Jameis, as well as the whole team, is something I’m looking forward to,” Dart explained. “I’m eager to contribute my best and help the team improve.”
Dart was the second quarterback chosen in this draft after Cam Ward, who was picked first overall by Tennessee. There was a time when Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders was considered a possible candidate for the Giants, even for their third pick. However, New York skipped over Sanders twice, and he wasn’t drafted in the first round.
Dart, a 6-foot-2, 223-pound native of Utah, elevated his draft status with an excellent senior year at Mississippi. Named a first-team All-SEC selection, he ranked third in the FBS for passing yards, amassing 4,279 yards, and earned MVP honors in the Gator Bowl for leading the Rebels against Duke with 404 yards and four touchdowns. Dart began his collegiate career at Southern California but transferred to Mississippi after his freshman year. Under the guidance of Coach Lane Kiffin, he set school records for passing yards (10,617) and total offense (12,115).
Giants coach Brian Daboll praised Dart, stating, “He exhibits many qualities you want in a robust quarterback. He’s resilient, makes insightful decisions on the field, drives the ball deep, possesses athletic prowess, competed in a challenging conference, and started at USC as a young player. He excelled throughout our assessment process, during meetings, workouts, and his performance on tape impressed us.”
Dart, on NFL scouts’ radar since being named the national Gatorade Football Player of the Year, stood out during his senior year at Corner Canyon High School. There, he threw for 4,691 yards and set a Utah state record with 67 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He follows in the footsteps of 2021 No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, also an alumnus of the same high school.
He’s confident about taking center stage in New York. “As a competitor, you crave the largest platforms,” Dart said. “You long to perform in front of the most passionate supporters and be part of a prestigious program. It’s everything I’ve aspired to be part of, and I feel prepared for this moment. I’m eager to embrace it with all I have,” he concluded.