There is at least one surprise every year in the NFL draft, and 2025 was no different.
The New York Giants shocked the football world when they traded back into the first round to select former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick. Dart, who threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns to six interceptions in his final season with the Rebels, became the second signal-caller off the board in the draft following Cam Ward at No. 1 overall.
REQUIRED READING: Pros and cons of the New York Giants picking Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart in 2025 NFL Draft
Dart will join a crowded Giants quarterback room but, as a first-round pick, he is the obvious future of the franchise at the position. The Giants, of course, are familiar quarterbacks from Ole Miss, having engaged in a draft-day trade with the San Diego Chargers in 2004 to land Eli Manning.
The former Rebels quarterback helped the Giants to two Super Bowls — an achievement Dart likely will hope to replicate in his time in New York.
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Here’s what you need to know about Dart being drafted:
Did Jaxson Dart get drafted?
Yes, Dart was the second quarterback off the board after the Tennessee Titans selected Ward No. 1 overall. Dart is the first Ole Miss QB selected in the NFL draft since Matt Corral was picked in the third round of the 2021 draft by the Carolina Panthers.
He is also the third former Rebel quarterback drafted in the first round in program history, joining Archie Manning and Eli Manning, the latter of whom was the program’s last first-round selection, in 2004.
Dart was joined in the first round by defensive tackle Walter Nolen, who was picked No. 16 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the draft. It’s the first time multiple Ole Miss players were selected in the first round since 2016, when each of Laremy Tunsil, Laquon Treadwell and DT Robert Nkemdiche were selected.
Where did Jaxson Dart get drafted to?
Dart was drafted No. 25 overall by the Giants. New York traded its second-round pick (No. 34), their third-round compensatory pick (No. 99) and a 2026 third-round pick for the rights to select Dart.
- Giants receive: Pick 25 (Jaxson Dart selected)
- Texans receive: 2025 second-round pick (No. 34); 2025 third-round pick (No. 99); 2026 third-round pick
New York Giants QB depth chart
Dart is unlikely to start for the New York Giants in Year 1. The Giants signed Pittsburgh Steelers free agent Russell Wilson and Cleveland Browns free agent Jameis Winston this offseason. Following the draft, Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that Russell Wilson “is our starter.” General Manager Joe Schoen indicated the team plans on keeping Winston, “for now.”
- Russell Wilson
- Jameis Winston
- Jaxson Dart
- Tommy DeVito
Jaxson Dart stats
Here’s a look at Dart’s stats during his time with USC and Ole Miss:
- 2021 (USC): 117 of 189 passing (61.9%) for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions; 22 rushes for 43 yards and two touchdowns
- 2022 (Ole Miss): 226 of 362 passing (62.4%) for 2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions; 128 rushes for 614 yards and a touchdown
- 2023 (Ole Miss): 233 of 358 passing (65.1%) for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions; 119 rushes for 389 yards and eight touchdowns; One reception for 15 yards
- 2024 (Ole Miss): 276 of 398 passing (69.3%) for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions; 124 rushes for 495 yards and three touchdowns
