The New York Giants are hoping a bold offseason will mark the start of a turnaround.
With a major focus on talent and culture, the franchise added both veteran leadership in Russell Wilson and youthful promise in rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, their surprise first-round pick at No. 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jaxson Dart adjusting to backup role
Dart, the former Ole Miss standout, arrived at rookie minicamp with a clear understanding of the situation: he’s expected to sit behind Wilson for now.
But that hasn’t dampened his energy or enthusiasm, especially when it comes to working with head coach Brian Daboll.
“He coaches me up like every second I’m around him,”Dart said Friday.
“He’s the guy that will walk in a room, say goodbye and whatnot, and then he’ll come back 30 seconds later because he has an idea. So, he’s constantly coaching me, and I think that’s what I want to be around.”
The Giants moved back into the first round to secure Dart, a decision that underscored how highly Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen valued him.
Daboll, who rose to prominence guiding Josh Allen’s development in Buffalo, seems energized by the opportunity to mentor another young quarterback.
“He’s smart, competitive, and he loves ball,”Daboll said of Dart following the minicamp.
“You can tell he’s spent a lot of time preparing, and he wants to be coached. That’s what you look for in a young player.”
While Dart is used to starting, he threw for over 4,200 yards with 29 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, he acknowledged the shift in role and mindset that awaits him in New York.
“I haven’t really sat before,” Dart said.
“I’m a competitor, so I’m going to come to work each and every day and do my best to make everybody around me better… I care about winning. It doesn’t matter where you’re at on the depth chart – if you’re losing, it sucks.”
For now, Dart is focused on growth and absorbing all he can.
With Daboll in his ear and Wilson ahead of him, the Giants may have found the right environment to mold their quarterback of the future.
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