The 2025 NFL Draft will commence this week, with teams narrowing down their options before the first round gets underway on Thursday, April 24. One thing appears to be certain: Cam Ward will be the first quarterback taken, likely No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans.
The top two QB spots in this class originally seemed like a battle between the Miami QB and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Now, after an impressive stretch leading up to the draft, Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart is surging up draft boards while Sanders’ stock is dipping.
Dart shined in the Rebels’ blowout bowl win over Kentucky. Pair that with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, and some believe he’ll be the QB2 of the draft rather than Sanders.
Deion Sanders Jr. Not Having Jaxson Dart Propaganda
Former NFL linebacker and current Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho is has touted Dart as the QB2 over Sanders. He recently broke down some of the Dart’s tape and discussed the QB’s ascent up draft boards.
Is Jaxson Dart actually QB2 ahead of Sheduer Sanders?
You’re smart. Watch this (Dart at his best) and decide for yourself: #AchoAnalysis pic.twitter.com/JPoD4LAY9q
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho)
“This is why Jaxson Dart has become quarterback two on many people’s boards ahead of Shedeur Sanders, right behind Cam Ward,” Acho said. “The name you’re familiar with. The game—I need you to know a little bit better.”
The former NFL linebacker highlighted two plays, describing Dart’s throws as “a bomb” and “perfect.” While breaking down the film, Acho praised the 6’2″ QB’s decision-making, arm talent, and pocket presence.
In addition to talking up Dart, Acho has also expressed his concerns about Sanders in recent days: “Shedeur Sanders, his arm, I got questions. I got questions about the strength. Travis Hunter would have people beat, and he’s waiting for it. [Jimmy] Horn would have people beat, and he’s waiting for it.”
Shedeur’s brother, Deion Sanders Jr., clearly wasn’t pleased with Acho’s analysis and posted a blunt response.
I was blind but now I see… https://t.co/2xhEut6tkT pic.twitter.com/J1nRSy5f5X
— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr)
“I was blind but now I see,” Deion Jr wrote, adding a video of the rapper Cam’ron saying, “Shut the f*** up.”
Later, Deion Jr. posted a follow-up message seemingly directed at Acho: “Don’t try to shake hands & be cool after this either like yall wasn’t on h*e sh**”
As the Sanders vs. Dart debate intensifies, the question becomes: is one clearly better than the other?
Despite the hype behind Dart’s late surge, PFSN’s latest mock draft still has Sanders going ahead of the Ole Miss standout. In this mock draft, Sanders is taken No. 9 overall by the New Orleans Saints. Following the news of Derek Carr’s potential season-ending injury, New Orleans needs a QB not only for the future, but for this season as well.
Dart, on the other hand, is selected by the Cleveland Browns, who traded up to take him at No. 30 overall. Cleveland’s offense is a mess, most notably its quarterback room. With Deshaun Watson likely out for the season (and potentially never suiting up for Cleveland again), the Browns acquired Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett this offseason.
However, they still need a QB of the future, and that’s where Dart enters the picture. Dart would fit well in Cleveland’s scheme and provide some much-needed hope to a franchise that desperately needs it.
As the 2025 NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday, all eyes will be on Sanders and Dart to see whose name is called first.
