A few quarterbacks are entering the NFL with a lot to prove. It appears the New York Giants’ decision to bring on Jaxson Dart has added some pressure to the former Ole Miss star from the jump.
Recently, CBS Sports put together a list of rookie with the most to prove at mandatory minicamps this offseason. Dart pops up on the list, which features a total of three quarterbacks.
“The Giants traded up into the first round to secure Dart. There had been rumors of the front office and coaching staff’s infatuation with the quarterback prior to draft night and leadership has done nothing to hide those feelings post-selection. Dart may be the key to coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen’s fate beyond this season, as well,” writes CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards.
“In the short-term, New York will almost certainly start veteran Russell Wilson Week 1, but the franchise is expected to ready Dart for action by season’s end.”
Dart will have to understand that high expectations will come with the pressure of being a first-round passer, especially when playing in a market like New York.
Fortunately for Dart, he’s not expected to get thrown right into the fire. The Giants view themselves as potential dark horse contenders in 2025, and they didn’t select Dart with the intention of rolling him out right away.
Instead, the Giants signed multiple veteran passers, who would get a look before Dart steps onto the field.
Russell Wilson wasn’t signed to hold the clipboard in New York. The one-time Seahawk, Bronco, and Steeler is searching for a situation that will help him get back on track after spending the past few seasons struggling to live up to his Seattle days.
Although Wilson didn’t ‘wow’ the Steelers enough to convince Pittsburgh’s front office to keep him around long-term, the Giants seem convinced he could be the key to opening up an offense that witnessed a committee of struggling QBs throughout the 2024 NFL season.
Depending on Wilson’s early performance, the Giants might face public pressure to trot out Dart earlier than expected. At that point, the pressure would certainly be on the 22-year-old to show immediate progress.
For the time being, Dart might have the least to prove compared to other QBs on the list. Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward enters the NFL as this year’s first-overall pick. Being in that position is never easy for any player, let alone a QB who is expected to work his magic on a team that went 3-14 last year.
Then, there is Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders, who is in a rare position. Despite being a fifth-round pick and the second selection of two rookies on the Cleveland Browns this year, Sanders faces pressure everywhere he goes based on his name. He’s managed to rise above and carve out a stellar NCAA run for himself, but now Sanders is set to play at the highest level of the game. No matter where he’s at on the depth chart, Sanders will have all eyes on him.
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