2 weeks Ago By Kevin Hickey
The New York Giants made a big move near the end of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to bring hope for the future. Following a trade with the Houston Texans to move up to the No. 25 overall pick, the Giants decided to take a shot on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart is a polarizing prospect but one that rose faster than any other player throughout the pre-draft process. It was reported that head coach Brian Daboll became enamored with Dart as New York dug into the quarterback class. Though Dart is expected to sit behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for at least one season, here's how the NFL experts graded the pick: Giants NFL draft grades for Jaxson Dart Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: A Iyer: "The Giants took care of getting their defensive superstar in Carter and can still make out with a potential franchise QB after trading up but passing on Sanders.
Dart's big arm and dual-threat ability fits better in Brian Daboll's offense. Dart also has the mental and physical toughness combination to succeed in New York." Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: C- Prisco: "I know the Giants needed a quarterback, but I don't love this move.
Coach Brian Daboll was said to be the one pushing for Dart. Well, he got his guy. I just think I would have waited until later to get a quarterback, but desperation makes teams do crazy things when it comes to the quarterback position.
" Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: C+ Middlehurst-Schwartz: "With the Giants sitting behind the Browns in the second round, a deal up into the first for a quarterback seemed inevitable. But it's difficult to have much confidence that Dart definitively can be the kind of passer who will save Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's jobs after the current regime was put on notice by co-owner John Mara after last season. A talented intermediate passer who can confidently attack defenses when in rhythm, he at least offers a path forward if Russell Wilson falters.
But given rampant concerns about how he will hold up against pressure and manage getting beyond his first read, things could get dicey if he's forced into an unfavorable spot as a rookie." Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: D McDonald: "The Giants needed a quarterback and traded up for Jaxson Dart. This is a pretty big risk for the Giants and their upcoming prospects for the 2025 season, but they needed to fill a spot in their quarterback room.
Dart has a long way to go before he’s ready for big-time NFL action, and Brian Daboll might not even be able to see that development through.." MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT: NFL draft trades tracker | SN's 7-round mock | Top 250 big board | Expert mock draft roundup.
