Evaluating Jaxson Dart: A Divisive Quarterback in the NFL Draft

As analysts prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, Jaxson Dart from the University of Mississippi has emerged as one of the most polarizing quarterback prospects. With some evaluators projecting him as a mid-round selection while others, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper, have mocked him to go as high as No. 9, opinions about Dart’s potential in the league widely differ. His intriguing skill set certainly offers reasons for optimism among scouts.

The Skill Set

Dart stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 225 pounds, possessing a solid build for a quarterback. His arm talent is commendable; he excels at completing throws on outbreaking routes with impressive timing and accuracy, making him a deep passing threat. While Dart doesn’t possess an elite arm, his ability to connect on deep passes with precision demonstrates his capabilities as a playmaker.

One of Dart’s standout attributes is his knack for layering passes, allowing him to navigate through tight windows effectively. His play at Ole Miss involved an offense that encouraged receivers to adjust their routes based on the defense, showcasing his ability to read defenses and lead receivers into space without subjecting them to significant hits.

As a scrambler, Dart proves effective, averaging about 6.87 yards per scramble. Although he shows a tendency to focus on his running ability, this instinct is underscored by his good size and speed, crucial attributes for designed quarterback runs in the NFL. His quickness allows him to shake off defenders in the pocket, maintaining composure even when under pressure.

Moreover, his willingness to absorb hits while staying focused on his throws indicates a level of pocket toughness that can be advantageous at higher levels of play. Maintaining accuracy while under duress is vital, and Dart displays power in his throws even in challenging situations.

The Offensive Transition

Despite Dart’s natural talents, the transition from college to the NFL may present challenges, particularly due to his experience in a simplistic spread offense at Ole Miss. While his raw skills are promising, he will require time to adapt to the intricate nuances of a professional system, which includes practicing under center and improving footwork.

The creative nature of the Ole Miss offense allowed freedoms for receivers and often revolved around first-read plays. This setup occasionally limited Dart’s repetitions in making multiple progressions during plays. For instance, in some crucial moments, Dart demonstrated improvement in his ability to scan the field, but inconsistencies in execution were evident, revealing the need for refinement.

During a notable third-and-14 play against Arkansas, Dart showcased his progression ability by moving from a hesitant initial read to an accurate throw on the opposite side, highlighting areas for growth in efficiency. Learning to synchronize his footwork with progression reads will be imperative for his success at the next level.

Confronting blitz packages has also been problematic for Dart. In situations where pressure is abundant, such as against Duke, he struggled to make swift decisions regarding ‘hot’ reads after failing to identify open options. The infrequency of traditional drop-back situations in the Ole Miss offense could lead to gaps in performance against advanced defensive schemes in the NFL.

Draft Considerations

Jaxson Dart’s ceiling is considered high among this draft class, particularly when compared to his peers. However, the extensive shift required from his collegiate experience to a professional setting raises concerns regarding his readiness. A situation where he can sit and learn behind an established starter appears ideal, especially since the luxury of time is scarce for first-round quarterbacks.

Given these factors, many experts suggest that Dart may be best suited for selection in the second or third round. As the draft approaches, this compelling young talent, who is only 21 years old, continues to capture attention and intrigue among NFL teams seeking to bolster their quarterback depth.