Conflicted Praise for Jaxson Dart

When NFL draft expert Mel Kiper shared his analysis of the New York Giants' selection of quarterback Jaxson Dart, fans couldn’t help but notice one glaring point: he would have preferred Shedeur Sanders, the player the Giants passed on during the draft. Kiper’s assessment kicked off with a surprising twist that seemed to overshadow any semblance of enthusiasm for Dart's capabilities.

A Stumble in Big Moments?

Kiper acknowledged Dart’s mobility and impressive statistical improvement throughout his collegiate career but wasn’t shy about airing his concerns. While he noted Dart's completion percentage surged each year at Ole Miss—from 62% to an outstanding 69% last season—he emphasized a worrying trend: Dart struggled in high-pressure scenarios.

Dart's performance against top-ranked teams was less than stellar. In critical games against LSU, Georgia, and Florida, he threw a mix of touchdowns and interceptions, highlighting that when the stakes were high, Dart often faltered. Kiper pointed out that in a must-win scenario against Florida, Dart tossed two interceptions, a stark contrast to his otherwise impressive season averages.

Kiper's Love for Shedeur Sanders

While discussing Dart, Kiper couldn’t resist highlighting the prowess of Shedeur Sanders, whom he confidently claimed would outperform Dart in the long run. He even compared Sanders’ potential to legendary quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Joe Montana, suggesting that past draft choices don’t always pan out as expected.

Kiper passionately declared, 'I like Jaxson Dart, but I love Shedeur.' His faith in Sanders goes beyond just stats; he believes that Sanders is destined for success in the NFL, especially if placed in a favorable environment, such as the New Orleans Saints, where his skills could shine.

The Giants' Gamble: What's Next?

As the Giants stake their future on Dart, fans are left questioning whether they’ve made the right choice. With Kiper's mixed assessment echoing in their ears, only time will reveal if Dart can rise to the occasion or if the Giants should have pursued Sanders instead. With the stakes this high, all eyes will be on New York's newest quarterback as he steps into the spotlight.