The New York Giants made the last hour rumors true and traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 overall pick. The Giants sent their second-round pick (No. 34), third-round pick (No. 99), and a 2026 third-rounder to the Houston Texans to secure Dart, a 21-year-old signal-caller. The trade comes with many questions and confusion if another quarterback was needed on the roster and at that cost.

The Giants’ draft strategy also included selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3, addressing immediate defensive needs with an absolute game changer while investing in Dart as a long-term solution. With Wilson and Winston in the quarterback room, Dart faces no immediate pressure to start, giving Daboll time to refine his raw talent.

Dart, who threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six interceptions in 2024, brings athleticism that impressed head coach Brian Daboll, who likened Dart’s playing style to Josh Allen, whom he coached in Buffalo. “I like his competitive fire, his accuracy, and his ability to push the ball downfield,” Daboll told reporters post-draft.

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However, Dart’s reliance on a simplistic, RPO-heavy scheme at Ole Miss raises questions about his post-snap decision-making, suggesting he’ll need time to develop.

Despite the excitement around Dart, Daboll made it clear that veteran Russell Wilson, signed in the offseason alongside Jameis Winston, will be the starting quarterback for 2025. “Russ will be our starter, and that’s how it will be once we get started,” Daboll said, emphasizing Wilson’s experience as a gateway to Dart’s transition. This approach allows Dart to learn behind two seasoned pros, potentially mirroring the development paths of Jordan Love and what Atlanta was to have been their plan with Michael Penix Jr.

If Dart’s potential is unlocked, this could be a franchise-altering draft for New York. If not Daboll and GM Joe Schoen could find them on the hot seat. For now, Giants fans can dream of what may be while Wilson leads the charge in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Giants HC Brian Daboll declares that Russell Wilson is QB1, not Dart