Dan Orlovsky makes bold Jaxson Dart, 2025 NFL Draft prediction

Former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is beginning to ascend regarding his status as a prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes it’s time to mention him among the rest of the Round 1 talents.

Evidently, Orlovsky thinks a bit higher of the former Rebels quarterback than some other pundits have in the past, believing he’ll make a massive rise over the next few months: “Jaxson Dart is going in Round 1,” the ESPN analyst posted on X.

Jaxson Dart is going in round 1

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 31, 2025

Previously, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have long been thought of as the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 class, with it being considered a toss-up afterwards. Jalen Milroe is another name that’s been thrown out there, but Orlovsky believes Dart is solidifying his case, and it’s only going to get stronger as more time passes.

Scouts were able to take a closer look at Dart this week in Mobile, AL for the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The Ole Miss quarterback has been impressive at practice, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport corroborated Orlovsky’s opinion after seeing first-hand how Dart was able to boost his draft stock.

“I was in Mobile watching the practice and Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback, seems to have had a really good couple of days,” Rapoport said. “To me, based on the people I’ve spoken with, seems right now to have maybe the inside track, I would say, to be the third quarterback taken.”

Moreover, Dart’s stats in college back up Rapoport’s claim, and Orlovsky’s prediction. During his three-year career with the Rebels, Dart is the all-time leading passer in Ole Miss history. threw for 2,974 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first full season in 2022. It was only uphill from there. He followed that up with a 3,364-yard, 23-touchdown campaign in 2023.

Then came the best yet, as Ole Miss pushed for a playoff spot in 2024. Dart threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns, against just six interceptions. He also ran for 495 yards and three scores.

It appears that those around the league believe he has tremendous upside under center at the pro level. Based on the high praise he’s received since arriving at the Senior Bowl, he’s only helped push his draft stock higher.

It’ll be fascinating to see if he can challenge Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward to go even higher in the 2025 NFL Draft, but it’s evident Jaxson Dart is on the rise. The sky seems to be the limit for the former Ole Miss quarterback, as NFL teams turn their attention towards him.

— On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.