Jaxson Dart: Ole Miss QB Poised to Shock Scouts at the Senior Bowl
Jaxson Dart, the standout quarterback from Ole Miss, is turning heads in NFL scouting circles. According to multiple reports, Dart is āranked aheadā of high-profile quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Washington State) on some scoutsā draft boards. With a stellar senior season and a chance to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl, Dart could make a meteoric rise in the NFL Draft rankings, much like LSUās Jayden Daniels did this season.
Dartās senior season at Ole Miss was nothing short of spectacular. The former USC transfer put up eye-popping numbers, amassing nearly 4,300 passing yards, over 500 rushing yards, and accounting for 32 total touchdowns. His dual-threat ability was on full display, as he not only torched defenses with his arm but also proved to be a capable runner in crucial moments.
Perhaps most impressive was Dartās consistency throughout the season. He excelled against tough SEC competition, showing poise under pressure and an ability to deliver in big moments. His leadership on the field helped Ole Miss secure key wins and maintain a competitive presence in one of college footballās toughest conferences.
NFL scouts are buzzing about Dartās potential, with some going as far as to say he could end up being the ābestā quarterback in this yearās draft class. While prospects like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) have dominated the headlines, Dart has quietly risen up draft boards thanks to his combination of physical tools, football IQ, and leadership.
Some scouts have drawn comparisons between Dart and Jayden Daniels, who saw his draft stock skyrocket after a dominant senior campaign at LSU. Like Daniels, Dart has shown significant growth in his decision-making, pocket awareness, and accuracy. His ability to read defenses and make plays with both his arm and legs gives him a unique edge that NFL teams covet.
āI see Jaxson Dart as a guy who could absolutely climb into the first round,ā one scout reportedly said. āHeās got the size, the arm talent, and the mobility to succeed at the next level. The Senior Bowl will be huge for him, but heās already on a lot of teamsā radars.ā
The Senior Bowl is often a turning point for NFL Draft prospects, offering them an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of coaches, scouts, and executives from all 32 teams. For Dart, itās a chance to cement his status as one of the top quarterbacks in this yearās class.
The event will allow Dart to demonstrate his ability to adapt to NFL-style schemes and work with new teammates, a critical skill for any quarterback transitioning to the pros. His arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making will be put to the test in live-action drills and scrimmages, but those close to the program believe heās more than ready for the challenge.
Several factors make Dart a compelling prospect heading into the draft:
- Prototypical Size and Athleticism
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, Dart has the physical traits that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. His athleticism allows him to extend plays and pick up yardage on the ground, making him a dual-threat option at the next level. - Arm Talent
Dartās arm strength is undeniable. He can make throws to all areas of the field with velocity and precision, and his deep ball has improved significantly over the course of his college career. - Mental Toughness
After transferring from USC to Ole Miss, Dart faced the challenge of adapting to a new system and proving himself in the SEC. His ability to handle adversity and thrive in a high-pressure environment speaks volumes about his mental toughness and resilience. - Upside
Dartās ceiling is incredibly high. While heās already a polished passer, thereās room for further development, particularly in terms of mechanics and pre-snap reads. NFL teams will be intrigued by his potential to grow into a franchise quarterback.
While quarterbacks like Williams and Maye will likely hear their names called early, Dart has the potential to be the steal of the draft. His combination of production, physical tools, and upside make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a quarterback, particularly those picking later in the first round or early in the second.
Dartās ability to rise above high-profile peers like Sanders and Ward on some scoutsā boards underscores just how highly regarded he is within NFL circles. If he can deliver a standout performance at the Senior Bowl and impress during the pre-draft process, thereās no telling how high his stock could climb.
Jaxson Dart has flown under the radar for much of his collegiate career, but thatās about to change. With an impressive senior season in the books and an opportunity to shine at the Senior Bowl, heās poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 NFL Draft.
For teams looking for a quarterback who combines talent, leadership, and untapped potential, Dart might just be the answer. As one scout put it, āBy the time the draft rolls around, donāt be surprised if Jaxson Dart is one of the first quarterbacks off the board.ā