The New York Giants are pinning their hopes on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to mirror the developmental arc of Josh Allen, potentially saving head coach Brian Daboll’s job in the process. Daboll owes much of his current standing in the NFL to his work with Allen during their time together in Buffalo. That success helped build his reputation as a quarterback whisperer—someone capable of shaping raw but talented passers into franchise cornerstones. Unfortunately, that reputation hasn’t had a chance to shine in New York, largely due to Daniel Jones’ limited physical upside and a string of injuries. With his job security under threat, Daboll now turns to Dart as his long-awaited project.
In a bold move during the draft, the Giants traded up in the first round to select Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart. The team is betting that Daboll can work similar magic with Dart as he did with Allen, ushering in a new chapter of New York football. The presence of seasoned veterans like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston provides a strong support system for Dart, who enters the league as a developmental quarterback with raw potential. Following the draft, general manager Joe Schoen hinted at a structured, Buffalo-inspired plan for Dart’s growth. He emphasized the importance of reps, including some spontaneous, pressure-testing scenarios designed to evaluate Dart’s instincts and composure.
However, Dart’s path to NFL readiness is steep. His college experience under Lane Kiffin leaned heavily on play-action—57% of his dropbacks in 2024 came from play-action, per Ben Solak—a style vastly different from pro-style NFL systems. Unlike Allen, who was thrust into action early and relied on his elite arm strength and athleticism, Dart doesn’t possess the same high-end traits and won’t be rushed onto the field. The Giants seem prepared to give him a redshirt year, allowing time to adjust and develop behind the veterans.
Schoen confirmed that Dart would be carefully integrated into the team’s routines, with daily development and tailored attention. Daboll, while less specific, made it clear that a structured plan was in place not just for Dart but for all the incoming rookies. He stressed that the coaching staff would focus on building up to training camp step by step and allow the process to unfold methodically.
Skepticism remains surrounding Dart’s future. The jump from a simplified college offense to the NFL is no small feat. His physical tools don’t provide much margin for error, and his mechanical inconsistencies raise additional concerns. Still, Daboll has been handed the type of quarterback project he once thrived with. The upcoming months will reveal whether he can replicate that success in New York. For now, Giants fans can take solace in the fact that there’s a clear developmental plan in place for their new quarterback—a plan that begins in earnest this summer.
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