The New York Giants hold the third overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft and are in a prime position to take one of this year’s top quarterbacks.
It’s no secret the Giants are very interested in the top two recruits in this class — Miami’s Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado — but they may not have a shot at either as the two teams drafting in front of them (Tennessee and Cleveland) are also looking for a quarterback.
That could leave the Giants with few options. One possibility has emerged this week at the Senior Bowl in Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss.
Dart, who began his college career at USC but moved to Ole Miss via the transfer portal after the Trojans brought in coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams, has a college resume that can’t be denied.
He also has an in with the Giants as he has been working with retired Giants quarterback Eli Manning for the past three seasons at the Manning Passing Academy.
Eli and his dad, Archie, are Ole Miss legends and have grown close to Dart, who was a First-Team All-SEC selection last year. Eli has also been working with the Giants to help find them a new franchise quarterback.
“I like Jaxson Dart,” Manning told the New York Post recently. “I’ve probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. I’ve been around him and (he’s) been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful. Seen him grow and progress and seems to be able to make all the throws.”
Dart, in turn, sees the Giants as a possible fit for him.
“My relationship first started with them when I first got there (Ole Miss),” Dart said. “They were one of the first families to reach out to me and it’s been special how our bond and connection has been able to grow throughout my time there.
“Doing different events with them and at the same time, them coming to games, shooting ‘Good luck’ texts, and going to the Manning Camp was also an amazing experience. They’ve been a huge asset to me and I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with them.”
As for the Giants? Dart says he and they are a very good match.
“It would be a smooth transition,” he added.
Whether or not the Giants choose to take Dart at No. 3 remains to be seen. Dart is shooting up the draft boards. ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. has him rated No. 3 at the quarterback position in this class and, who knows, he could rocket up into the conversation should he impress at the NFL Combine and other offseason workouts
