Around this time every year, everyone seems to have an opinion on draft prospects, but when those opinions come from former scouts and NFL executives, people tend to pay attention. Take Doug Whaley, for instance: he’s not just your average commentator; he has been in the thick of it as the former pro personnel coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the general manager of the Buffalo Bills. He’s recently shared some intriguing thoughts about Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and his prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I think he’s going to be a solid pro,” Whaley remarked during a chat on 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show. “When I first looked at him, I didn’t want to like him since everyone else did. I like to go against the grain sometimes. But you know what? I actually like him more than Shedeur Sanders.”
This year’s QB class has seen its share of fluctuations. Early on, Cam Ward and Sanders were the frontrunners, often regarded as the top two. However, opinions have shifted. Recently, the spotlight has been shining bright on Dart, who was initially seen as more of a Day 2 prospect. Now, he’s frequently popping up in first-round projections from top draft analysts.
If you’ve been keeping up with recent mock drafts from ESPN or NFL Network, you’ll notice Dart’s name comes up a lot in connection with the Steelers. It’s reminiscent of last year’s buzz around Amarius Mims or Jackson Powers-Johnson with Pittsburgh.
Whaley believes Dart could make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh, potentially making them playoff contenders in his rookie season. “If he can adapt quickly to the NFL’s pace and maintain a professional level of play, he could have the team vying for a playoff spot,” Whaley explained.
Of course, adjusting to the NFL’s speed isn’t a certainty, and Whaley suggests that having someone like Aaron Rodgers to learn from for a year would be ideal for Dart.
The Steelers seem genuinely interested in Dart. They’ve lined up a pre-draft visit, showed interest during the NFL Scouting Combine last month, and got an up-close view through Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, and others at the Senior Bowl. In addition, assistant GM Andy Weidl attended Ole Miss’s Pro Day just last week.
One reason for all this QB draft speculation around the Steelers is their unresolved situation with Aaron Rodgers. Still, Whaley seems keen on the idea of drafting Dart irrespective of Rodgers’ status.
After reviewing Dart’s tape, Whaley comments, “He might draw comparisons to a Brock Purdy-type player. He’s someone you can win with, but if it comes down to needing him to carry the team, I’m not sure he’s ready for that yet. His wind-up release makes me nervous given the narrow passing lanes in the pros. Still, he’s got the potential to be a solid pro.”
According to our own Alex Kozora, Dart received a fifth-round grade, noting that nothing in his game stands out as a must-have trait. But with quarterbacks often rising in draft rankings, the Steelers might have to grab Dart in the first round if they truly want him, especially since they don’t have a second-round pick.
