The New York Giants are closely monitoring quarterbacks available in the 2025 NFL draft, despite having signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency. The team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of potentially “franchise-changing” signal-callers, as evidenced by a key decision-maker personally attending the pro day of Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Chris Mara, the senior player personnel executive and brother of team president and co-owner John Mara, was spotted at Dart’s pro day in Oxford. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, multiple sources confirmed that Mara was part of a large contingent evaluating Dart, signaling the Giants’ continued interest in scouting quarterbacks. This came on the same day a significant number of Giants staffers visited Colorado to watch Shedeur Sanders at his pro day.
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Dart, a highly regarded prospect despite some skepticism about his first-round credentials, is viewed by former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden as a potential “franchise-changing” player. Gruden lauded Dart’s “rifle arm, sharp mind, and the right attitude,” adding that whoever drafts him will be pleased with the outcome. While some analysts, including Raanan’s colleague Jordan Reid, believe Dart could be a second-round pick due to his college offense’s limited read progression, others are excited about his potential development under Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Dart’s college career at Ole Miss, where he ran a simplified, college-style offense under coach Lane Kiffin, raised concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL, especially with his need to develop a deeper understanding of reads and playing under center. These concerns were echoed by Reid, who suggested Dart’s adjustment could take longer than other quarterbacks in the draft class. However, the Giants could provide Dart with the coaching necessary to refine his mechanics and transition to a more complex pro system.
With the Giants positioned at No. 34 in the draft, they are in a prime spot to select a quarterback if Dart is available. However, they also have other options, including waiting until the third round to select other promising quarterbacks like Ohio State’s Will Howard or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Although the Giants may prioritize a non-quarterback playmaker with their top-three pick, the quarterback position remains a potential focus for Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Given their moves in free agency, the Giants are keen on ensuring they have a solid depth chart at quarterback for the future.
