On Night 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New York Giants sent shockwaves through the NFL when they traded back up into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25 overall. With veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston ahead of him on the depth chart, it might be a while before we see Dart taking regular-season snaps.
Recently, senior ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler said on ESPN’s NFL Live show, “The stage is set for Jaxson Dart to sit an extended period.”
Jeremy Fowler Sheds Light on Giants’ Plans for Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston
Fowler said that Dart taking a backseat to veterans Wilson and Winston “is ultimately what the New York Giants want,” adding that the former Pittsburgh Steelers QB is in “pole position to be QB1.”
Fowler compared Wilson’s situation this year with New York to the veteran’s experience with Pittsburgh last season and said, “It’s similar to (Wilson’s) Pittsburgh situation. That the job is loosely yours, as long as you continue to produce and earn it, then you can keep it.”
As if Wilson wasn’t enough of a roadblock for Dart, the Ole Miss QB is also behind Winston on the depth chart. Both the senior quarterbacks bring a level of NFL experience and knowledge that Dart simply doesn’t possess.
New York is bringing in not one, but two veteran quarterbacks, and Fowler is convinced that Giants fans might not see much of their potential future franchise QB this season.
Fowler also spoke about Dart’s transition to the NFL and added, “The feeling I get talking to other teams is that Dart was one of the quarterbacks in particular that did need some time coming from Ole Miss’ system.”
Speaking about New York’s plans, the veteran reporter noted, “The fact they added Jameis Winston as well, the fact they feel stronger across the roster, particularly on defense, where that defensive line should be really good. They feel like they can win games with capable, turnover-free quarterback play.”
The Giants may have a plan, but it could only be a matter of time before Dart gets his opportunity to play a major role. If New York struggles and falls out of playoff contention, fans and players in the locker room could call for the rookie to take the reins.
It’s up to head coach Brian Daboll and his coaching staff to ensure their franchise quarterback is ready for that moment.