Giants Shock NFL with Late First Round Trade for Dart

Green Bay, Wisconsin — The NFL Draft commenced on Thursday night, and the New York Giants made headlines by trading back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick. Dart, who shone at Ole Miss with 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns last season, is the second QB taken in the draft after Cam Ward was selected first overall.

The Giants executed the trade by sending their second-round pick (No. 34), a third-round compensatory pick (No. 99), and a 2026 third-round pick to the team. This marks a significant decision for the Giants, especially since Dart was the first Ole Miss quarterback drafted in the first round since Eli Manning in 2004.

General Manager Joe Schoen expressed confidence in Dart’s potential as the future quarterback for the franchise. Nonetheless, after adding veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, the expectation is that Dart will not be starting in his rookie season.

“We see immense potential in Dart, and while he will learn behind experienced players, he is the future of our quarterback room,” said Schoen. Dart joins a crowded lineup, raising questions about how he will fit in with Wilson and Winston, both of whom were brought in to lend experience and stability.

In addition to Dart, the Giants were able to secure Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen at No. 16 overall. This is the first time multiple Ole Miss players have been picked in the first round since 2016.

As for Dart, he holds aspirations of replicating Eli Manning’s success with the Giants. “It’s an honor to be part of this franchise, and I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in New York,” he stated after being drafted.