Does Jaxson Dart to the Saints make sense?

Dart’s stock has been rising. Does it make sense for the Saints to draft him at #9?

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart’s name has increasingly appeared as a possibility for the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Dart is a projected late first-round/early second-round pick, the possibility of his draft stock rising and the Saints taking him ninth overall is very realistic if he has a positive performance in the Senior Bowl and the combine. New Orleans may also be incentivized to take the four-year college starter in the first round for the opportunity to pick up the fifth-year option down the road.

Dart had his best season in college in 2024 finishing the year throwing for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. Protecting the ball and limiting interceptions has been consistent in Dart’s career with the 21-year-old throwing more than six interceptions in only one of his four seasons.

The best part of Dart’s game is his poise and composure. The 6’2 quarterback will sit in the pocket and take a hit to deliver an accurate throw. While he shows an advanced pocket presence, he is fidgety sometimes and will prematurely take off running or check out of his reads. Unlike most quarterbacks coming out of college, Dart’s game isn’t limited to outside the hashes, and he feels comfortable attacking the middle of the field.

The Ole Miss quarterback bathed in success with the RPO and quick pass offense during his time in college. In the quick game, Dart can quickly identify his read and get the ball out accurately. He is also a pass catcher’s best friend and won’t put an unnecessary zip on a ball, making the pass easier to bring in.

The most underrated aspect of Dart’s game is his ability to run. He is a fearless runner and can turn a broken play into a first down with his legs. The 6’2 225 quarterback is a patient runner making designed runs another factor of his game.

There are plenty of questions surrounding Dart’s arm strength. He is an accurate passer but occasionally underthrows his deep targets with a noticeable drop-off. Dart has shown hesitancy to take deep shots showing a lack of confidence in his ability to attempt those passes.

The Saints are looking to bring in a new head coach with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore being the current favorite and set to meet with the Saints after the Super Bowl. It has been revealed that Moore isn’t thrilled with the quarterback room in New Orleans, and he will look to make changes. Rather if it’s in the 2024 or the 2025 draft, the Saints are likely to target a quarterback soon.

Dart has all the tools to work in the Saints offense and the weapons to surround him. Chris Olave has been a top route runner when healthy and Rashid Shaheed has developed into a solid WR2. With an emphasis on beefing the offensive line in recent drafts, the situation for Dart to the Saints won’t be as bad as some expect, especially if New Orleans brings in an offensive-minded head coach who has worked with young quarterbacks in the past.

The art of developing a quarterback has become lost in today’s NFL with teams expecting players to make an immediate impact. Jaxson Dart won’t singlehandedly change the projection of the Saints in one season if he were to be drafted there, but with the proper development, Dart has the leadership, talent, and swagger to be the future quarterback for New Orleans.

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