When the Giants drafted Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick, it sent a signal to the rest of the NFL: the Daniel Jones era was officially over. Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen had seen enough from their former starter, and after back-to-back losing seasons, they were ready to rebuild around a quarterback who better fit the modern NFL.
Though the team also brought in veteran stopgaps like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the plan is clear—2025 will be Dart’s developmental year, and 2026 will be his stage. But that hasn’t stopped him from turning heads in minicamp. According to team insiders, Dart has already shown a grasp of the playbook, an NFL-caliber arm, and vocal leadership on the field.
“He’s not just here to learn,” said a Giants assistant. “He’s pushing guys already. He doesn’t want to wait.”
Why the Cowboys Should Be Concerned
The Dallas Cowboys boast one of the league’s best defenses, with Micah Parsons leading a pass rush that can overwhelm even the best quarterbacks. But Dallas has struggled historically against mobile quarterbacks who can escape pressure and extend plays. Jaxson Dart fits that mold perfectly.
Kiffin pointed out that Dart thrives against man coverage and off-balance defenses—two staples of the aggressive schemes deployed by Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
“Jaxson doesn’t panic when the play breaks down,” Kiffin said. “That’s when he’s at his best. Dallas likes to blitz. That’ll be their downfall.”
Dart’s experience in the SEC has prepared him for the speed and physicality of NFL defenses. If he’s protected—and that’s still a big if with the Giants’ evolving offensive line—he has the potential to make Dallas pay for every over-pursued blitz and every missed tackle in space.
Why the Eagles Should Be Worried
The Eagles’ identity in recent seasons has been centered on balance: a strong pass rush, a deep secondary, and a versatile offense. But the one area they’ve struggled against is quarterbacks who can exploit the middle of the field and scramble effectively.
Jaxson Dart, who completed over 75% of his passes between the hashes last season at Ole Miss, has made a living targeting tight ends and slot receivers against zone-heavy defenses like Philadelphia’s.
“He knows how to attack space,” Kiffin explained. “Philly plays smart, but smart isn’t good enough when you’ve got a QB who sees the whole field and isn’t afraid to move the pocket.”
There’s also a mental edge. The Eagles, with a veteran core and postseason expectations, may not see the Giants as a real threat—especially with a rookie quarterback. That overconfidence could open the door for Dart to make an early statement.
Player Comparisons and NFL Projection
Kiffin didn’t hesitate to draw comparisons between Dart and current NFL quarterbacks. He likened Dart’s competitiveness to Baker Mayfield’s, his toughness to Jalen Hurts’, and his field vision to Justin Herbert’s.
“He’s not Justin yet. But you watch—Jaxson will play with the same fire. He wants to be great.”
What makes Dart particularly intriguing is his combination of maturity and mobility. He isn’t just an athlete playing quarterback—he’s a quarterback with an athlete’s body. His ability to escape, throw off-platform, and reset downfield makes him a nightmare to defend, especially when the initial read breaks down.
What This Means for the NFC East
If Dart develops as Kiffin expects, the NFC East could be in for a major shift. The Eagles are still built to contend. The Cowboys still have a loaded defense and high expectations. The Commanders, under new leadership, are building around Jayden Daniels. But the Giants, with Jaxson Dart, have positioned themselves as the wild card.
No longer content to linger in the division basement, the Giants have made a strategic gamble. If Dart hits, the entire pecking order of the NFC East will be shaken.
The last time the Giants had a quarterback with this much upside coming out of college, his name was Eli Manning. That worked out pretty well—two Super Bowl rings and multiple wins over Tom Brady later, Manning’s legacy remains intact. Dart’s style is different, but the potential impact could be just as significant.
Final Thoughts: A Warning Worth Heeding
Lane Kiffin has coached a number of quarterbacks over the years, including NFL players like Matt Corral and Blake Sims. But he’s rarely gone out on a limb like he has with Jaxson Dart. His warning to the Cowboys and Eagles isn’t just about boosting his former player—it’s about challenging the entire NFC East to prepare for a shift.
“You better not sleep on Jaxson Dart. Because he’s coming, and he’s not coming quietly.”
For Dallas and Philadelphia, that message couldn’t be clearer. The era of Jaxson Dart is on the horizon. Whether it arrives in 2025 or the following season, Lane Kiffin is certain of one thing: the Giants found their man—and the rest of the division is officially on notice.
