One of the most intriguing stories of the 2025 NFL Draft is the quarterback situation. Unlike other drafts, the outlook beyond the expectation that Cam Ward will be taken first by the Tennessee Titans is murky at best.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. He has been widely considered the second-best quarterback behind Ward but has been sliding in recent weeks. Once projected to be selected second overall by the Cleveland Browns, he’s now at risk of dropping into the second round. Now, there’s speculation that Sanders could be surpassed by another prospect — Jaxson Dart.
Could Shedeur Sanders Fall Behind Jaxson Dart?
On a recent episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, insider Peter Schrager was asked to weigh in on the recent “Dart declaration.” Schrager said he had just released a mock draft, in which the Pittsburgh Steelers took Sanders at No. 21 and the New York Giants traded up to take Dart at the end of the first round.
He added that shortly after sending the mock draft out, he began getting calls from teams asking about the quarterbacks. Those calls, he said, changed his opinion on when the two might come off the board.
“I think Dart could go before Shedeur. I do think Dart can go before Shedeur. I don’t necessarily know if it’s at 20 or 21 or 22, it’s a team trading back, or if it’s at 33 or 34 before Shedeur Sanders. That’s how this might go tonight. I’d say buckle up,” warned Schrager.
Quarterback is often considered the most important player on a football team. While football is a true team sport that requires a strong supporting cast, it can’t function without a signal-caller.
@PSchrags says Jaxson Dart could be selected before Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft đŸ‘€ pic.twitter.com/vUmVkpX3Ng
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN)
Schrager said fans who care more about the quarterback position than any other may need to be patient this year.
“We’ve had NFL drafts in recent memory where we’ve had six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks a year ago. We always get quarterbacks up top. If you’re a person who worships the quarterback position, and you’re all about the quarterback position, make plans Thursday night, but make plans Friday night also.
“There’s a chance that these guys go on night two. That’s how I’m hearing it as we head toward the draft this evening.”
What Are Dart’s Strengths and Weaknesses?
In PFSN’s draft profile of Dart, who spent one season at USC before transferring to Ole Miss, he is described as a high-upside player with starting experience.
Dart spent three seasons with the Rebels, and in his final year, he posted career highs in every major category. PFSN calls him a “seasoned prospect” with 21 starts over his college career.
“Dart is a smooth operator and a gritty competitor with a little moxie. His dual-threat ability stretches the defense thin and keeps them honest in the RPO game, which is what he does best.”
He’s known for having good accuracy and touch, but he’s far from a finished product. He’ll need to improve his consistency, arm strength, and overall mechanics to succeed in the pros.
Watching to see who gets drafted first between Dart or Sanders and whether that happens in Round 1 or 2 will be one of the most interesting storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft.
