Jaxson Dart expounds on relationship with Manning family, potentially landing with Giants

Jaxson Dart spent three seasons at Ole Miss, working under Lane Kiffin. A benefit of playing for the Rebels is building a few key relationships — none more prominent than the Manning family. Both Eli and Archie spent their playing days in Oxford and are still supportive of the program.

Tuesday at the Senior Bowl, Dart was asked about his interactions with the Manning family, having glowing reviews. Dart also attended the Manning Passing Academy on two occasions. Although he is leaving Ole Miss, it’s a relationship Dart hopes to continue to have moving forward.

“My relationship first started with them when I first got there (Ole Miss),” Dart said. “They were one of the first families to reach out to me and it’s been special how our bond and connection has been able to grow throughout my time there. Doing different events with them and at the same time, them coming to games, shooting ‘Good luck’ texts, and going to the Manning Camp was also an amazing experience. They’ve been a huge asset to me and I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with them.”

Dart was asked the question by Paul Schwartz, a New York Giants beat reporter for the New York Post. Of course, the Giants are in need of a quarterback this offseason and is a candidate to take one in the first round.

Given the opportunity to play in New York, Dart appears confident in how things would go.

“It would be a smooth transition,” Dart said.

Playing for the Giants would only expand the similarities between Dart and the youngest Manning sibling. Eli played in New York for his entire career, delivering the franchise two Super Bowls. He is considered a legend and supports the Giants at every chance.

New York currently holds the No. 3 overall pick, potentially seeing Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders being out of reach. If they still want to take a quarterback there, ESPN’s Mel Kiper currently ranks Dart as his QB3.

“Jaxson Dart is, right now,” Kiper said. “Mobile, he’s athletic. He’s a tough kid and he can make NFL wow throws. We saw that with him rolling left and rolling right. Jaxson Dart. Ole Miss. My QB3.”

The NFL Draft process is just getting underway, beginning with the Senior Bowl. Dart will attempt to go out there and impress NFL front office people — maybe even giving the Giants an idea.