Feb 1, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) during the first half of the 2025 Senior Bowl football game against the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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Jaxson Dart Could Jump Shedeur Sanders As QB2 in the NFL Draft—and Some Teams Are Buying In

Jaxson Dart could jump Shedeur Sanders as QB2 in 2025 draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft quarterback rankings just got a little messier. For months, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders sat at the top, seemingly untouchable. But now? Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has entered the conversation.

ESPN’s Matt Miller reported that an unnamed NFL general manager sees a “strong possibility” that Dart could overtake Sanders as the second-best quarterback in this class if he puts together a strong NFL Combine performance. This isn’t just pre-draft hype—Dart has been turning heads since the Senior Bowl, and now, real discussions are happening inside front offices.

The NFL Combine is where the quarterback pecking order starts to solidify. Cam Ward remains the projected top pick, but that isn’t a done deal. Ward still hasn’t confirmed if he’ll throw in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders is skipping on-field workouts entirely, opting to throw at his Colorado Pro Day instead. With that, the door is wide open for someone else to step in.

Jaxson Dart’s Senior Bowl performance and raw numbers back up the hype

Jaxson Dart wasn’t on the first-round radar a few months ago, but things changed fast. He dominated Senior Bowl practices, standing out as one of the most consistent quarterbacks on the field. The buzz started there, and it hasn’t slowed down.

Jaxson Dart could reportedly "overtake" Shedeur Sanders as the QB2 in this year's draft with a strong showing at the Combine according to one NFL GM.

Dart is reportedly a "top name" when asking NFL GM's who they're most excited to see work out at his year's combine.

The Giants,… pic.twitter.com/XpfCYGV5zw
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 28, 2025

Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson called him a “physically talented quarterback with plus-level playmaking ability,” and his 2024 college numbers prove it. Dart threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, completing 69.3% of his passes. That level of production at Ole Miss has NFL scouts watching closely.

There’s also the fact that he’s already outdueled some of the biggest names in his class—quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, Drew Allar, and Will Levis. That matters. Teams love quarterbacks who step up against top-tier talent.

The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks are all seriously interested in Jaxson Dart

NFL teams aren’t just watching Dart—they’re actively considering him. Reports suggest that the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks all have “significant interest” in him leading up to the draft.

Why? Teams see what he brings to the table. Dart checks the right boxes: size, athleticism, and arm talent. He’s also got the confidence and intangibles that teams look for in a franchise quarterback.

The biggest question now is whether he can capitalize on the opportunity in front of him. If he dominates the NFL Combine—both in workouts and interviews—he could force teams to rethink their draft boards. Shedeur Sanders has been a lock for the top 10 in most mock drafts, but a standout week from Dart could change that narrative fast.

This is where draft stock gets made. And right now, Jaxson Dart has momentum.

Jaxson Dart

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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