Jaxson Dart Eyes NFL Draft, Potential Giants Fit Amid Manning Connection

MOBILE, Ala. — Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback and rising NFL prospect, is drawing attention as a potential draft pick for the New York Giants. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Dart’s connection to the Manning family and his impressive college career have fueled speculation about his future in the league.

Dart, who grew up in Utah and spent three years at Ole Miss, has been a standout in college football. In 2024, he threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 record. His performance has positioned him as a potential second-round pick, with the Giants holding the No. 34 overall selection.

“Am I a New York kind of guy? I’m not scared of the big city,” Dart told The Post. “I love New York, visited there a lot growing up. Honestly, that’s not even in the back of my mind. I think it’s a great organization. I’d love to play for ’em.”

The Giants, who hold the No. 3 pick, are unlikely to use it on Dart, but trading up in the first round or selecting him in the second round remains a possibility. Securing a quarterback with the fifth-year option available in the first round could be a strategic move for the team.

Dart’s connection to the Manning family, particularly Eli and Archie Manning, adds intrigue to the potential fit. Eli Manning, a Giants legend, has closely followed Dart’s career at Ole Miss. “I like Jaxson Dart,” Manning said. “I’ve probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. He’s been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful.”

Archie Manning, a former Ole Miss star, has also been a mentor to Dart, sending him encouraging texts before games and inviting him to the Manning Passing Academy. “They’ve been a huge asset for me,” Dart said. “I’ve been blessed to kind of be under their wing.”

Despite his success, questions remain about Dart’s performance against top-tier competition. In 2024, he struggled against teams like LSU, Georgia, and Florida, throwing five touchdowns and four interceptions in those games. David Syvertsen, a college football analyst for Ourlads Scouting Service, noted that Dart “gets a little too nervous” in high-pressure situations.

At the Senior Bowl, Dart showcased his arm strength but faced challenges with unfamiliar centers, highlighting areas for improvement. Still, his college stats—10,617 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions over three seasons—make him an attractive prospect.

As the draft approaches, the Giants will weigh their options. Whether Dart lands in New York or elsewhere, his journey from Utah to Oxford to the NFL promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 draft.