Jaxson Dart has spent the last year quietly dismantling every preconceived notion about his NFL future. The Ole Miss Rebels’ main man, once considered a mid-tier prospect, turned in a senior campaign that demanded attention from scouts and front offices alike. Statistically, but remember, film and IQ trump stats and analytics. The dart-thrower did finish with career highs in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns, and QBR. But as April’s draft approaches, the conversation around Dart has taken an unexpected turn. One franchise, armed with a $6.9 billion valuation and a pressing need at quarterback, might not be able to resist.

Lane Kiffin’s star completed 276 of 398 passes (69.3 percent). He wasn’t just putting up numbers—his 4,279 passing yards and 29 to 6 TD-INT ratio certainly spoke for themselves. He was also leading, adapting, and proving that his arm talent and pocket presence could translate to the next level. While some analysts remain skeptical of Jaxson Dart’s NFL fit, others are taking a far more optimistic stance. Enter a team that has spent the past few seasons trapped in a carousel of uncertainty under center, a team desperate to solidify its long-term future at the most important position in football.

The name floating around in league circles? The New York Jets. The franchise’s never-ending search for a franchise quarterback has led them to explore every possible avenue. And according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Dart has their attention. “Keep an eye on Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss. He intrigues the Jets,” Cimini reported, adding fuel to the speculation that the team may be eyeing him as a potential successor to the Aaron Rodgers era.

It’s not just analysts connecting the dots, either. Former Raiders GM Mike Mayock, a veteran evaluator with years of draft experience, recently shared his thoughts on Dart’s rising stock while speaking with Rich Eisen. “Behind Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, I think the kid from Ole Miss, Jaxson Dart, has made up some ground,” Mayock said. “He can spin it, and he’s not a great athlete, but he’s not a bad athlete.” Those aren’t empty words coming from Mayock, whose ability to assess quarterback talent has long been respected in NFL circles.

Dart’s solid performance during Senior Bowl week only bolstered his case, showing scouts that he could hold his own against top-tier competition. For the Jets, the appeal is obvious. Rodgers’ future with the team remains uncertain, and even if he does return for 2024, the clock is ticking.

The organization already brought in veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, but the need for a long-term answer at quarterback still looms large. Jaxson Dart’s ability to process defenses, make quick decisions, and push the pigskin downfield aligns well with what the Jets are looking for. His mobility—while not elite—gives him enough escapability to navigate pressure, something that would be crucial behind an offensive line that has struggled with consistency.

For now, only mocks can be drawn, as Dart’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. And this latest twist only adds to the intrigue.

Will Jaxson Dart end up in the AFC, but not with the Jets?

Jaxson Dart has the tools to make NFL scouts take notice—strong build, solid athleticism, and a quick-release passing game that thrives near the sideline and underneath. But is he ready for the next level? That’s where things get a little tricky. While his physical traits are NFL-caliber, his mental processing has raised some concerns.

Still, ESPN’s Field Yates isn’t ruling out a first-round rise. With his consensus of QB3, in his latest mock draft, Yates projected Dart to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall—a selection that even he admitted might be a bit bold.

“This projection represents a big rise up the board from where Dart currently ranks outside my top 32,” Yates noted. “But quarterbacks always have a chance to climb given positional value. Keep an eye on Dart here as we get closer to April.” The Steel City has Justin Fields and veteran Russell Wilson, but he struggled this year. So, quarterbacks are always in demand, and if a team believes in Dart’s upside, he could shoot up draft boards.