The New Orleans Saints are poised for a significant rebuild under new head coach Kellen Moore. Even with Derek Carr currently slotted as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, the Saints are still searching for their quarterback of the future.
A recent mock draft suggests that an SEC dual-threat quarterback could be the perfect fit.
Mock Draft Predicts Saints Select Jaxson Dart in First Round
In his mock draft for PFSN, Marco Enriquez projects the Saints to take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“As an offensive-minded coach, it wouldn’t be surprising to see (New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore) take his quarterback of the future, Jaxson Dart … Since Day 1, Dart has been my QB1 — landing slightly ahead of Ward and Sanders in my prospect rankings. Some may question Dart’s aggressive, big-play mentality, but with strong coaching, he has all the traits to be a franchise cornerstone,” Enriquez wrote.
He added, “Dart is a dual-threat QB with mobility and the ability to extend plays. His arm strength is promising, but improving his accuracy and decision-making under pressure will be a priority. Pairing him with Moore and Chris Olave could set the stage for a Saints resurgence.”
Dart has skyrocketed into the top 10 after initially being projected as a second-rounder. PFSN’s Jacob Infante previously had the New York Jets selecting Dart at No. 42 overall.
What Makes Jaxson Dart an Appealing Prospect?
At 6’2″ and 223 pounds, Dart blends athleticism with a strong arm, making him a compelling fit for modern NFL offenses. In his final season at Ole Miss, Dart led the SEC in completion percentage, passing yards, passing yards per completion, and yards gained per game. The USC transfer also led the nation in passing yards per attempt (10.8), completions of 15 or more air yards (68) and passer efficiency rating (180.7)
In his scouting profile, PFSN’s Reese Decker wrote, “Dart is a smooth operator and a gritty competitor with little moxie,” adding, “Dart can deliver an accurate ball with touch at all levels of the field and is not afraid to stick in the pocket and deliver a throw in the face of pressure or lower his shoulder in the open field to pick up a few extra yards.”
Decker believes Dart would benefit from a situation where he can sit behind an established starter for a year or two — something that aligns with the Saints’ current quarterback timeline.
Dart’s draft stock has steadily risen since his performance at Senior Bowl practices, with ESPN’s NFL analyst Louis Riddick stating, “He can push the ball wherever you need him to.”
Jaxson Dart has impressed @LRiddickESPN at the @seniorbowl this week: pic.twitter.com/ZK6fx8L7bU
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum)
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt described Dart as “a solid athlete” and added, “I like his game. I also like how quickly he can get the ball out of his hands.”
How Dart Could Benefit From the Saints’ Coaching Staff
Moore is well-positioned to develop Dart’s skills, having assembled a balanced coaching staff that includes experienced coordinators like Doug Nussmeier and Brandon Staley. Quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien, who has previously worked with Moore, also brings valuable experience. This setup could provide Dart with the ideal environment to refine his accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
What Dart’s Selection Would Mean for Derek Carr
Carr finished 11th in PFSN’s QB rankings for 2024, with analyst Ben Rolfe stating, “Moving on from Carr would be a very brave move from a new head coach.” The 11-year veteran had one of the best seasons of his career and his best in two years with the Saints. He finished in the top 10 in passer rating, yards per attempt, completion percentage, and passing touchdown percentage.
The former Las Vegas Raider carries a significant cap hit, which was recently restructured to ensure his return. While Carr will likely begin the season as the starter, drafting Dart would give the Saints a clear plan for the future. Carr is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season when he’ll be 36, meaning Dart could sit behind the veteran for part of his rookie year, following a developmental path similar to Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love in Green Bay.
Why Drafting Dart Makes Sense for the Saints
Selecting Jaxson Dart in the first round would address New Orleans’ long-term quarterback needs while providing immediate development opportunities under Moore’s guidance. Dart’s potential to become a franchise cornerstone is clear, especially if he can fine-tune his accuracy and decision-making.
The Saints are at a crossroads, and drafting Dart could be the first step toward building a sustainable future. With his dual-threat abilities and the Saints’ strong coaching staff, Dart has the potential to thrive in New Orleans. If he’s available at No. 9, he could be the perfect — albeit surprising — choice for a team looking to revitalize its offense and solidify its quarterback position for years to come.
