Jaxson Dart Arrives Ready: Giants Rookie Quarterback Impresses on Day One

The New York Giants quarterback room is crowded with experience and intrigue, but all eyes were on rookie Jaxson Dart as he stepped onto the field at the team’s facility for the first time. And if Day 1 of rookie minicamp is any indication, Dart came prepared—not just physically, but mentally.

The Giants’ No. 24 overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft made a strong first impression on head coach Brian Daboll, who praised the rookie’s poise, preparation, and early professionalism.

“There’s nobody rushing him. He did what he was supposed to do. He was prepared,” Daboll said after Saturday’s practice. “He put a lot of time and effort into it. I got a lot of appreciation for how he’s gone about—in a short amount of time—his business.”

Dart, a standout at Ole Miss, arrives in New York with the benefit of extensive college experience. Across 45 collegiate games, including 39 starts, Dart developed into a polished, dual-threat quarterback. His final year with the Rebels was particularly impressive: a career-high 69.3% completion rate, 4,279 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and an added 495 yards and three scores on the ground.

For a rookie entering the high-pressure spotlight of New York media and expectations, Dart’s early demeanor has already won over some of the Giants’ staff. Daboll highlighted the intangibles that often separate a solid player from a future franchise leader.

“I think he’s got some natural leadership qualities,” Daboll said. “The biggest thing that you usually try to get out of a rookie camp, at least where I’ve been and I’ve worked, is kind of get to know [the players]. It’s very, very introductory … kind of just starting at the beginning of the alphabet here.”

Despite being the newest face in the quarterback mix, Dart’s preparation has already positioned him as a legitimate contender in what could be a wide-open battle for the starting job. With veterans in the room and the team’s future direction still uncertain under center, Dart’s readiness could fast-track his development and elevate him from long-term prospect to early contributor.

For now, the Giants are keeping things low-key. But with Jaxson Dart showing maturity beyond his years and a hunger to compete, don’t be surprised if the rookie makes noise in New York sooner than expected.