Like every NFL offseason, quarterbacks are at the center of the storm as draft day quickly approaches. Names like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers fly around like a Super Bowl TD pass. Analysts, front offices, and mock drafters are having a field day trying to figure out the best fit for these star prospects and how to go about drafting them. Amongst all this, ex-QB and ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has shared a very interesting take on one of the most promising new draft additions of this season.
Jaxson Dart has impressive numbers, to say the very least. Since way back in 2021, every year his numbers have only improved. In his 2024 season, the Ole Miss QB boasts 4,279 yards (a career-best), with a clean 69.3% completion rate. He finished his last season with a 10-3 record and has an eye-catching 29-6 ratio for TD-INT. With these numbers, it’s no wonder teams are lining up to grab him. Dart is speculated to join a variety of NFL teams this year. Saints, Browns, Steelers, and Raiders are just a few names that have been making rounds this year when it comes to drafting this killer QB. And Dan Orlovsky? He sees the hint of two NFL stars in this guy.
As per a post by the Ross Tucker Podcast, Orlovsky has compared Jaxson Dart to Bo Nix (Broncos QB) and Jalen Hurts (Eagles QB). On the podcast, Orlovsky said, “I remember last year watching Bo Nix’s tape – this year, that’s kind of how I feel about Dart – I really like his tape. There’s a lot of Jalen Hurts in his game for me.” Let’s face it, when Orlovsky, an ex-QB himself, says you’re great, that’s a seal of quality you can’t easily compete with. Orlovsky has further added in the podcast, “I think he uses his legs when it’s necessary, not as a crutch – athletic quarterbacks, sometimes they’re just always running around. I did not see that a lot from him. I mentioned him being a bull as a runner. This dude’s a tough tackle. You could do a quarterback run with him.”
“He was the guy for me this year that was a little bit similar to Bo Nix last year…there’s a LOT of Jalen Hurts in his game…”@danorlovsky7 breaks down Jaxson Dart: pic.twitter.com/S23BooNN2U
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 18, 2025
And it’s not just Orlovsky, Jaxson has been placed as the 3rd best QB in this upcoming draft, coming directly behind Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. There are literally so many teams that need a QB this year – Titans, Browns, Steelers, Giants, Raiders, Jets (you get the gist, right?). This coming draft is surely gonna be one for the books. But will Jaxson Dart be at the center of all this? Well, there are some interesting updates on that too.
Jaxson Dart says ‘nah’ to 2025 drafts
In a major update, Jaxson Dart has pulled a ‘UNO reverse card’ on his own draft prospects this year. Earlier this week, the NFL shared 17 names in their official attendee list going to the draft in Green Bay. But just a few days later, Jaxson Dart, along with Mykel Williams (Georgia DE), pulled out. The list now contains 16 players instead. So why did Jaxson change his mind, especially when he was such a prime candidate, too?
As there have been no official answers from his side, Jaxson’s backtrack has plunged the NFL world into speculation. Maybe he wants to be with his family and friends. It could also mean that he doesn’t want to go up there first, and instead wants to wait for the later rounds to see how things play out. If he falls on the draft boards, he runs the risk of increased scrutiny. Case in point – Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers. So maybe Jaxson is just playing it safe for the time being. It’s all conjecture at this point, though.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Dart, though. While he certainly has the skills to be a good QB in the NFL, analysts like Tom Downey have also raised their concerns on whether he’ll be able to play against the pro names in the big league. “If you drop Jaxson Dart right now in an NFL offense, he’d go, ‘Oh my God, what am I supposed to do here?’” On the other hand, if Jaxson can sit behind a veteran QB and learn the ropes, he could very well become the next best thing. Maybe even a Super Bowl MVP like Jalen Hurts, as Orlovsky certainly believes. All in all, this year’s offseason drama has not disappointed. We are waiting with popcorn and drinks, just watching everything unfold. With just days left to the draft, all eyes will now be on Green Bay for the big day.
The post ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky Makes Major Jaxson Dart Comparison as Ole Miss QB Ditches NFL Draft appeared first on EssentiallySports.
