The 2025 draft class features one of the weakest QB groups in recent memory. Cam Ward is essentially locked in as the first overall pick to the Tennessee Titans, but beyond that, nothing’s set in stone. Some even believe Shedeur Sanders, considered the second-best QB, might fall to Day 2.
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Amid all this uncertainty, one prospect has flown under the radar — but not for Dan Orlovsky. He made sure to give his flowers to this future NFL star.
We are, of course, talking about Jaxson Dart. His stock has steadily climbed, with many now considering him the third-best QB in the 2025 class. But Orlovsky believes Dart could end up being the biggest steal this year. In fact, he compared the Ole Miss product to another overlooked QB prospect from last season, Bo Nix — who later silenced all his critics.
“He’s the guy that two or three years from now we look back and go, man, people were wrong on him,” Orlovsky stated. “He’s the steal of the draft, essentially. I just believe when you watch his tape, he’s so similar to Bo Nix last year, in ‘Wow, a lot better than I anticipated.’”
Nix turned out to be the biggest surprise — and perhaps the steal — of the 2024 class. The Denver Broncos selected him with the 12th pick, and he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. Nix led Denver to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. Now, the future looks bright for the Broncos QB.
.@danorlovsky7 says Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart could be “the steal of the draft”
“He’s the guy that two or three years from now we look back and go, man, people were wrong on him.” pic.twitter.com/JmUE9stE02
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 21, 2025
That’s why Dart should feel proud of himself for the comparison. Coming into the draft scouting process, he was being severely overlooked and taken for granted. But now, teams like the Steelers and Giants are considering selecting him in the first round.
Moreover, Orlovsky could end up being spot on with this take. Dart proved he can play at a high level in the SEC with Ole Miss, and he possesses all the traits needed to succeed in the NFL.
Orlovsky highlighted his arm strength, ability to read defenses, and high football IQ as key factors that make him a threat. Additionally, he believes that if an NFL team sets up plenty of crossing patterns for him to read on offense, Dart will thrive.
However, teams are also hesitant about the prospect, and for good reason. He has limited experience with timing throws, tends to rely on his first read, and doesn’t possess exceptional athleticism. Dart can scramble, but he may struggle to do so the way he did in college. It sure feels like he doesn’t have any elite traits.
Yet, these are the same criticisms that Nix faced leading up to the 2024 draft. Now, he’s a potential franchise QB. Perhaps a team will listen to Orlovsky and take a chance on Dart in the first round, hoping to find their franchise QB.
