Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Size:
Height: 6022
Weight: 223
Arm: 30”
Hand: 9 ½”
Accomplishments:
First-Team All-SEC (2024) • Gatorade National Football Player of the Year (2020) • Four-star recruit
“Jaxson Dart has the necessary physical tools—arm strength and velocity—as a thrower that, when in rhythm, can project to be a high-level starting quarterback in the NFL.”
Strengths:
Arm strength/velocity
Mobility
Athleticism/throwing on the run
Concerns:
Deep-ball accuracy
Decision-making under pressure
Throwing in tight windows
Anticipating open windows
Film Analysis:
Jaxson Dart played in a Lane Kiffin offense that stretches the field both vertically and horizontally. The offense features the RPO and asks Dart to utilize his arm strength to hit open targets at all levels of the field. Dart is a mobile quarterback who can escape the pocket and make accurate throws on the run, allowing the play to be successful even if the protection breaks down. Dart's most intriguing athletic trait is his arm strength combined with his mobility, which allows play-callers to be versatile in what they ask of him. At Ole Miss, Dart runs everything from traditional pocket plays to QB rollouts and designed runs.
From the pocket, Dart appears to have an in-depth knowledge of the offense and can work through his progressions, scanning the field to find the open receiver. Dart has above-average arm strength and, more impressively, can throw the ball with touch. He demonstrates the ability to fit the ball into tight windows between two defenders, placing it in Cover 2 windows in front of the safety and behind the corner. Dart can also ramp up the velocity on the ball and fit it into the middle of the field between two defenders.
On the run, with called bootleg and rollout plays, Dart looks comfortable and plays with good pace and tempo. He can quickly identify his receivers and work through his progressions to find the open target, whether it's a deep receiver or a pass-catcher in the flats. Because of Dart's athleticism, he can also use his legs to pick up yardage—getting Dart out of the pocket is a high-percentage play in terms of gaining yards. Taking advantage of his athleticism, Dart is also asked to execute QB-designed runs, which helps keep the defense balanced. He can pick up timely yardage in key situations with his legs.
However, multiple facets of Dart’s game could use improvement. First, Dart needs to work on his willingness to throw into tight windows and become more comfortable delivering accurate passes to receivers who are only open by a step. On occasion, Dart will turn down tight-window opportunities that would be considered open in the NFL. He also needs to improve his deep-ball accuracy, which is tied to decision-making. Dart’s deep passes sometimes appear to be thrown to a general area rather than being aimed for a specific receiver. The decision-making becomes an issue when facing pressure, as Dart will occasionally attempt ill-advised passes that could result in turnovers at inopportune times. Dart needs to mature in high-pressure situations, learning not to force throws and instead let the game unfold.
Overall, Dart's appeal as a prospect stems from the combination of his natural physical tools, athleticism, and arm talent. He has some of the most impressive throws of any quarterback in this upcoming draft, showcasing his true upside and arm strength. However, he must improve his effectiveness and decision-making when throwing the football in high-pressure moments against competition that may be greater than or equal to his own team.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: LSU (2024), Georgia (2024), Kentucky (2024), Florida (2024), Tulane (2023), LSU (2023), Georgia (2023), Alabama (2023)
