Heading into their rookies seasons, brand new NFL players don’t always feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, because it’s their first year. Going from college football to the NFL is a huge leap, and most expect to see some growing pains with players when they take the jump. But, sometimes, certain rookies are expected to perform at their very best at the get-go. Just look at all the pressure that was on Caleb Williams from the Chicago Bears during his first year with the team.
Now, the New York Giants have carefully selected Jaxson Dart for their backup quarterback position, and one NFL expert is pinpointing him as a guy who has a lot to prove. That analyst also puts Shedeur Sanders of the Browns, who the Giants were highly rumored to get during the draft, in that category.
Rookies With a Lot to Prove, Including One From the New York Giants
In a June 10 feature for CBS Sports, Josh Edwards names a handful of new NFL players who he believes have to really prove their value and worth in 2025. “Coaches will begin installing the playbook and introducing rules to the scheme in these weeks of practice before the training wheels are taken off in training camp,” he states in the piece. “For rookies, it is the continuation of a marathon.”
He names Dart as a player with something to prove, because the Giants traded up to get him, showing that they really had to pay for this deal. Plus, the Giants have Russell Wilson as their main quarterback, but everyone knows Wilson will likely retire soon.
“The Giants traded up into the first round to secure Dart,” he explained in the piece. “There had been rumors of the front office and coaching staff’s infatuation with the quarterback prior to draft night and leadership has done nothing to hide those feelings post-selection. Dart may be the key to coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen’s fate beyond this season, as well.”
Edwards adds, “In the short-term, New York will almost certainly start veteran Russell Wilson Week 1, but the franchise is expected to ready Dart for action by season’s end.”
Jaxson Dart Isn’t Alone: Shedeur Sanders Has Something to Prove, Too
Leading up to the draft, the Giants were one of the main teams expected to bite on star quarterback Sanders. But, they didn’t, and he didn’t even get drafted util the final day of the draft.
Edwards also names Sanders as one of the players with a lot to prove, which certainly makes sense.
“From populating first-round mock drafts to fifth-round draft pick, Sanders has a lot to prove,” Edwards said. “Although he may not have been a first-round-caliber talent, few would argue that he was not worthy of hearing his name called on Day 2.”
Edwards adds that now, it’s about the future, “and the former Colorado quarterback now has an opportunity to compete for the starting job in Cleveland. Will he become just another name on the vaunted quarterback jersey that features those who started before him or will he provide the type of staying power that will encourage the franchise to use its two first-round picks on other positions next April?”
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