Chris Simms makes shocking prediction about New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart
Chris Simms, an NBC Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback, has predicted that Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants' recently drafted quarterback, might start earlier than anticipated. Despite initial plans for Dart to sit behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, his impressive performance in the Giants' rookie minicamp might change the team's strategy. Simms believes Dart could potentially start as early as Week 1, but realistically expects his debut around Week 5 or 6 if he continues to excel in training camp. The Giants face a challenging season with low expectations, especially in the competitive NFC East. The team needs to determine if Dart can be a franchise quarterback, as Wilson is seen as a temporary solution and Winston as less serious competition.
Context:
Chris Simms, an NBC Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback, has predicted that Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants' recently drafted quarterback, might start earlier than anticipated. Despite initial plans for Dart to sit behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, his impressive performance in the Giants' rookie minicamp might change the team's strategy. Simms believes Dart could potentially start as early as Week 1, but realistically expects his debut around Week 5 or 6 if he continues to excel in training camp. The Giants face a challenging season with low expectations, especially in the competitive NFC East. The team needs to determine if Dart can be a franchise quarterback, as Wilson is seen as a temporary solution and Winston as less serious competition.
Dive Deeper:
Jaxson Dart was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the expectation that he would sit behind veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for his rookie season.
Dart impressed during the Giants' rookie minicamp, leading to speculation that the original plan might change, according to NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms.
Simms suggested that if Dart performs exceptionally well in training camp and preseason, he could start over Wilson, particularly if Wilson's performance is subpar.
Dart's experience in an NFL-style offense at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin contributes to his readiness, with his ability to read defenses and execute plays being highly regarded.
The Giants face a tough season in the NFC East, with strong competition from the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, and they need to assess Dart's potential as a long-term solution at quarterback.
Russell Wilson is viewed as a temporary option, and Jameis Winston is not seen as a serious contender, making Dart the focal point for the team's future quarterback plans.
Bryan Perez, who has a background in NFL Draft coverage and scouting, highlights the importance of determining Dart's capabilities to avoid a missed opportunity in securing a franchise quarterback.
When the New York Giants selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the assumption was that he'd sit behind established veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and have a redshirt season during his rookie year.
But after making a strong impression at the Giants' rookie minicamp, that plan could be changing.
At least, that's what NBC Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms believes.
Simms appeared on a recent episode of 'Up and Adams' and made a bold prediction about Dart's 2025 outlook.
"If Jaxson Dart is phenomenal through training camp and in OTAs and has a really good preseason, and Russell Wilson's just OK and doesn't look all that sharp? I don't think they'll be scared to start Jaxson Dart," Simms said. "He played in an NFL offense under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, so he's really good as far as reading coverages, going through the reads, and doing all that, and by all accounts, it sounds like the guy that Daboll really wanted was Jaxson Dart."
As for when Simms thinks Dart could crack the starting lineup?
"I wouldn't be shocked Week 1, I think realistically, if you made me bet, I'd say somewhere around Week 5 or 6 is where I'd expect it."
Could Jaxson Dart be the Giants Week 1 starter? Chris Simms believes it is a strong possibility đ@heykayadams | @CSimmsQB | @Giants pic.twitter.com/vesQ8BSOUM
â Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 12, 2025
Giants may have no choice but to start Jaxson Dart in 2025
The expectations around the New York Giants in 2025 are understandably low. Sure, they've added some appealing pieces on defense in free agency and with the selection of Abdul Carter with the third overall pick, but Russell Wilson doesn't inspire confidence in the Giants making a sudden turnaround as a playoff team.The NFC East poses an additional layer of challenges, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders both trending as Super Bowl contenders this year.
As a result, the Giants' primary goal this season should be to determine if Dart is, in fact, a franchise quarterback.
Let's face it: Wilson is a one-year rental. Winston is comic relief. Dart is the only real hope this team has at getting it right at quarterback, and the sooner they find out if he's the answer, the better off they'll be.