Mina Kimes takes shot at Lane Kiffin scheme during Jaxson Dart evaluation: 'Nothing like a NFL offense'

ESPN analyst Mina Kimes is known for her heavy reliance on analytics when evaluating NFL Draft prospects as a part of ESPN’s NFL Live lineup. Still, her reliance on scientific data and film review has occasionally ruffled the feathers among some NFL fans.

But during Friday’s NFL Live on ESPN, Kimes’ analytical approach veered into the critical realm during a particular evaluation of fast-rising former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who longtime ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently projected as a potential Top 10 pick.

In his latest mock NFL Draft, Kiper surprised many when he projected Dart could go as high as No. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints — including Kimes.

“My reaction of ‘What?!’ was to hearing Mel had (Dart) in the Top 10, I hadn’t seen that yet,” Kimes said Friday. “Look, there are traits that explain why there is first-round interest. He has a live arm for starters, he can make throws to all parts of the field. He’s definitely NFL-caliber in terms of the talent there. And then he’s a really good athlete, that’s what jumped out to me watching the tape — his scrambling ability, running through the teeth of the defense, some toughness on display as well.

“So I can see why teams would be interested in that. That said, I really think the best fit for him is anywhere where he can sit for a year.”

"He has a lot to learn."@minakimes would love for Jaxson Dart to go to the Rams and sit for a year to develop behind Matthew Stafford. pic.twitter.com/wdCGIPX5W4

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 28, 2025

It’s here where Kimes’ take took a turn toward calling out Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin for suggesting the Rebels’ high-powered offense translates to the NFL.

“Respectfully, Lane Kiffin is not right in saying that his offense translates to the NFL, it is nothing like a NFL offense,” Kimes continued. “When you watch him, it’s almost all RPOs and play-action. We’ve seen this with (Ole Miss) quarterbacks before — Matt Corral comes to mind.

“(Dart) has a lot to learn. Decision-making, feel for pressure. So I would love for Dart to end up with a team like the Rams where he can sit for a year. Because I do think it’ll help him a great deal.”

Wherever Dart ultimately ends up during next month’s 2025 NFL Draft remains to be seen. But after his performance during Senior Bowl week in Mobile and another impressive showing at the NFL Combine and the Rebels’ Pro Day on Friday, it’s clear Dart is making believers out of folks all across the NFL, even if Kimes isn’t yet among them.