The New York Giants have signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, but they are still keeping a close eye on quarterbacks available in the 2025 NFL draft. This is evident from a key decision-maker personally evaluating a potential “franchise-changing” quarterback.
Chris Mara, the senior player personnel executive and brother of team president and co-owner John Mara, attended the pro day of Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that multiple sources confirmed Chris Mara was part of a large group in Oxford watching Dart. This visit caught attention as the Giants continue to scout quarterbacks.
Mara’s attendance at Dart’s pro day was revealed on April 4, the same day a group of coaches and front-office executives visited Colorado to watch Shedeur Sanders and other prospects. Giants head coach Brian Daboll made a major decision about Sanders at the Buffaloes’ pro day, but Dart remains an intriguing option.
Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden praised Dart, calling him a prospect with a “rifle arm, sharp mind, and the right attitude to be a franchise-changing player.” Gruden suggested that whoever drafts Dart will be very pleased.
Despite Gruden’s endorsement, there are questions about Dart’s first-round potential. This uncertainty could actually work in the Giants’ favor, as they may be in a position to draft a quarterback who is still a work in progress, giving him time to develop behind two experienced veterans.
Dart does present some risk due to the college-style offense he played in for three years at Ole Miss under coach Lane Kiffin. The simplified scheme relied on Dart’s quick reads and dynamic rushing abilities, but doubts remain about his ability to transition to the professional game.
These concerns were echoed by Raanan’s colleague, Jordan Reid, during an appearance on the Locked On Giants podcast. Reid views Dart as a “second-round quarterback” because of the adjustment process he’ll need to make, which could take longer than other prospects in the class.
Reid noted that Dart’s offense didn’t provide much preparation in terms of reading defenses and that Dart will need to adjust to playing more consistently under center and reading through multiple progressions.
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