The New York Giants left the first round of the 2025 NFL draft with a potential quarterback of the future.
With the 25th pick of the first round, the Giants selected quarterback Jaxson Dart of Mississippi. New York sent the 34th and 99th overall selections in 2025, along with a third-rounder next year, to the Houston Texans to move back into the first round after the Giants took edge rusher Abdul Carter with their original pick at No. 3 overall.
The Giants gave up the draft capital and brought in Dart despite signing veteran signal-callers Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston during the offseason.
Dart started his college career at Southern California as a four-star recruit but transferred upon the arrival of Caleb Williams. He transferred to Ole Miss – the college home of former Giants quarterback Eli Manning – and was a three-year starter for Lane Kiffin. Dart became the Rebels’ all-time leader in wins (28) and passing yards (10,617) over 38 starts in Oxford.
With dual-threat ability, Dart becomes the latest quarterback project for Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who played a key role in the progression of reigning MVP Josh Allen during his time as offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. Dart will face plenty of question marks at the next level but the Giants are banking on his big arm – he led the FBS in yards per attempt (10.8) and completions of 10 yards or more (74) in 2024 – and toughness translation to the pros.
‘I think he’s got a lot of qualities you look for in a quarterback,’ Daboll said. ‘He’s tough, makes good decisions with the football, pushes the football down the field, has athletic ability.’
New York had also been linked to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, but the team ultimately went with Dart. The Giants also tried to trade with the Tennessee Titans for the top overall pick to take quarterback Cam Ward, per multiple reports. Last year, they attempted to move into the top three to take Drake Maye, but the New England Patriots didn’t budge then, either.