If the New York Giants are taking it for granted Jaxson Dart will become their long-awaited franchise quarterback, they’re in for a rude awakening based on two warnings about the rookie from a former NFL head coach.
The unnamed ex-coach told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan Dart’s “Gotten away with scrambling all his life.” Dart leaning on his rushing skills is already a problem for the Giants, an issue of his safety and ability to avoid concussions.
Yet, Dart running too often created another problem about the core parts of his game as a passer. The view is shared by anonymous league executives who think Dart is a “talented young quarterback,” although “They don’t view him as a star yet,”according to Raanan.
Concerns about Dart add up to the same conclusion. As Raanan put it, “he needs to improve from the pocket in order to reach his potential. Dart’s 39.4% success rate out of the pocket is ahead of only Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward, Russell Wilson and Shedeur Sanders among quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Mostly, it comes down to Dart needing to improve his processing.”
Those are essential requirements for any competent pro QB1. Getting them right is necessary for Dart to justify his status as a first-round draft pick, but his progress will be just as much about what weapons the Giants provide him with as his own development.
Jaxson Dart Must Prove Complete Skill-Set
Dart gives the Giants a naturally mobile playmaker in the running game, but he has to prove himself a dependable passer who can make big-time throws in the clutch. The 22-year-old has been guilty of 41 poor throws, according to Pro Football Reference, while an on-target percentage of 72.8 is solid but needs work.
A closer look at some of Dart’s numbers reveals obvious areas for improvement, particularly from the slump that’s followed Brian Daboll being fired as head coach. Dart has posted a modest 58.7 completion percentage against man coverage, per Player Profiler. Meanwhile, his pressured catchable pass rate is 37.9 percent, and the deep ball catchable pass rate is 43.9.
Fixing these numbers will rely on the same thing it always does. A dynamic supporting cast. Something Dart hasn’t had the luxury of playing among during his debut campaign.
Giants Must Put More Around their QB1
Interim head coach Mike Kafka knows Dart will make rookie mistakes, but not all of those errors are on the young passer. He’s also hamstrung by the absence of bluechip supporting players.
Season-ending injuries to go-to wide receiver Malik Nabers and bulldozing running back Cam Skattebo took away Dart’s primary weapons. He’s still benefitted from slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and dual-purpose back Tyrone Tracy Jr., but Dart needs more.
The Giants can start by acquiring a tight end more reliable than Theo Johnson, who has 10 drops against his name in less than two seasons. A skilled third wideout to complement Nabers and Robinson would also be welcome, but the onus will remain on Dart to take his game up a level with smarter decision-making and sharper accuracy under duress.
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