Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin has been vocal about his belief in former Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart’s readiness for the NFL, particularly after the New York Giants traded up to select him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kiffin highlighted several key attributes that he believes make Dart well-suited for the professional level and the Giants organization:
* Maniacal Preparation: Kiffin lauded Dart’s intense dedication to preparation, stating it’s “off the charts.” He believes this meticulous approach will resonate well with Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll, who is also known for his competitive nature. Kiffin noted that Dart and Daboll established a strong rapport leading up to the draft, communicating daily.
* Four Years of Starting Experience: Unlike some quarterbacks who enter the draft early with limited starting experience, Dart has four years under his belt. Kiffin believes this extensive playing time has been crucial in his development and readiness for the pro game.
* Continuous Improvement: Kiffin pointed to Dart’s statistical improvements across the board, especially his completion percentage. He emphasized Dart’s work ethic and his focus on attacking his weaknesses, citing the development of his deep ball as a prime example.
* More Than a System Quarterback: While Dart played in Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly offense at Ole Miss, Kiffin believes Dart possesses traits beyond being just a system quarterback. He has the size, arm strength, and mobility that NFL teams look for.
* Football IQ and Adaptability: Kiffin noted Dart’s growing understanding of the game, highlighting instances where Dart would suggest schemes to exploit matchups based on his film study. He also praised Dart’s ability to provide valuable input on the sideline for in-game adjustments.
* Leadership and Competitiveness: Kiffin has consistently praised Dart’s leadership qualities and his fierce competitive spirit, stating that Dart has the “eye of the tiger.”
Kiffin also expressed excitement about the potential pairing of Dart with Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, a 2024 first-round pick. He envisions them forming an “amazing pair for a long time to come,” anticipating that Dart will work tirelessly with Nabers to develop their timing and chemistry.
While the Giants have named veteran Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, the selection of Dart in the first round signifies their belief in his long-term potential as their franchise quarterback. Kiffin’s endorsement further fuels the optimism surrounding Dart’s future in the NFL.
