Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart is turning heads as the most debated quarterback in this NFL Draft season. Some folks see him as a solid mid-round choice, but ESPN’s Mel Kiper boldly predicted Dart would be picked at No. 9. Whether Kiper is stirring the pot to keep us talking or not, Dart does present a fascinating set of skills that make one understand why he’s catching the eye of scouts.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Dart isn’t the tallest, but he’s well-built. He’s got a strong arm and poses a genuine threat with his legs, capable of making explosive plays as a runner. However, having played in a straightforward spread offense, Dart will need to transition and adapt to the complexities of NFL playbooks. In a draft class that’s not strong on quarterbacks, will Dart’s potential, combined with his consistent performance, be enough to catapult him into the early rounds?
The Skillset
Dart comes equipped with various passing abilities that make him compelling. Though he doesn’t own the most powerful arm, it’s lively enough, enabling him to deliver crisp and accurate throws on out routes and to push the ball downfield effectively.
He excels at making out-breaking passes with precision and timing, demonstrating real confidence when he senses his receiver will break free. These aren’t just any throws; they’re calculated and well-executed based on the defense’s alignment.
One of Dart’s standout qualities is his knack for pacing and layering his throws over defenders, adding finesse rather than relying only on pure power. His ability to adapt to a less regimented passing game where receivers adjust their routes on the fly is impressive. Dart has an intuitive connection with his receivers, leading them into open areas while avoiding dangerous hits.
When he’s dialed in, his deep ball accuracy is impressive. While he may have lapses, when it’s on, his long throws hit receivers perfectly in stride.
Dart shows a natural flair for creating plays, though sometimes you’d hope he’d keep his eyes downfield more often when flushed from the pocket. Still, he’s productive on the move, netting 6.87 yards per scramble, making it understandable. One highlight of his season was a throw against Duke, where he escaped the pocket and launched a deep strike, impeccably landing it in his receiver’s hands.
In a pivotal third-and-14 against Oklahoma, Dart escaped right, shifted his receiver’s path to open space, and secured a conversion. This play demonstrated his creativity and ability to improvise. In the NFL, though, altering his reliance on scrambling will be key as he transitions to a more field-focused approach.
Dart brings good size and impressive vertical speed to his game, compelling defenses to plan for his scrambling skills. His twitchiness and strength allow him to evade rushers regularly. Once in the open field, he’s a linear yet speedy runner, capable of pulling away from tacklers.
Resilience in the pocket is something inherent, and Dart certainly possesses it. He’s not deterred by pressure and can still maintain power and accuracy even in chaotic situations.
The Offense
Dart possesses innate skills that are hard to teach, giving him a high ceiling compared to others in his draft class. Yet, the simplicity of the Ole Miss offense means that his transition to the NFL will take time. From learning the intricacies of a pro system to adjusting his footwork and executing snaps under center – it’s a journey that demands patience, something rare in the NFL’s fast-paced environment.
The free-flowing nature of the Ole Miss offense meant precise timing wasn’t always needed. Dart wasn’t accustomed to syncing his progressions with precise footwork, as coach Lane Kiffin’s play calling often simplified things. However, there were glimpses of promise, such as against Arkansas, where he navigated through multiple reads.
One of the more advanced plays in his playbook was the Y-Cross, a staple of the air-raid offense. Ideally, seeing a corner’s read to adjust the throw would have been ideal, but Dart had moments of misreading or sticking with predetermined decisions.
Blitz recognition is another area for improvement. Dart was sacked quite a bit when blitzed due to holding onto play fakes too long or missing open receivers. Quick decision-making when facing heavy pressure will be crucial for his success at the next level.
While Dart displays an appealing set of skills with a promising upside, bridging the gap between his college-level play and the pros is substantial. A perfect scenario would see him drafted by a team that allows him to develop under the guidance of an established starter, probably as a second or third-round pick. This setup could nurture his talents, making him one of the highest-potential quarterbacks, especially in a class led by names like Cam Ward. And remember, he’s just 21 years old—there’s still so much room for growth.
(Photo by Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
