NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Will Take Note if QB Jaxson Dart’s Stock Rises at Senior Bowl
As the NFL Draft approaches, teams across the league are scouring the field for potential stars who could make an immediate impact on their rosters. The Miami Dolphins, a team on the rise in the AFC, have a particular focus on improving key positions, including quarterback depth. While the Dolphins currently have their franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, the team has shown interest in bolstering their depth chart behind him. One player who could capture their attention at the Senior Bowl is Jaxson Dart, a promising quarterback from Ole Miss.
Dart, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career, will look to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and executives during the Senior Bowl, a prestigious event that gives top seniors a chance to prove themselves against some of the best players in the country. For the Dolphins, this presents an important opportunity to evaluate the next wave of quarterbacks and assess whether Dart could be the type of player they want to add to their roster.
This article will explore Jaxson Dart’s journey to the Senior Bowl, what the Dolphins need from their backup quarterback, and how Dart could fit into Miami’s plans as the draft approaches.
Jaxson Dart’s Journey: From High School to the Senior Bowl
Jaxson Dart’s journey to this point has been filled with promise and potential. After an impressive high school career in Draper, Utah, Dart committed to USC, where he spent his freshman season before transferring to Ole Miss. Dart’s freshman year at USC was solid, but it was his move to Ole Miss that seemed to reignite his career. Under the guidance of head coach Lane Kiffin, Dart was given a platform to grow and develop into a more complete quarterback.
During his time with the Ole Miss Rebels, Dart displayed his raw talent, including a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make throws on the move. He started all games for Ole Miss during his first season with the team, finishing with solid numbers: 2,974 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While he still has areas to improve, Dart’s physical tools are undeniable. His arm strength and ability to make plays downfield are among his standout traits, and he has shown the capacity to make quick decisions under pressure. However, inconsistency in his mechanics and decision-making have been points of concern, and improving these areas will be crucial for his future success at the next level.
The Senior Bowl will give Dart a chance to prove that he has refined his skills and is ready to transition to the NFL. Scouts and coaches will be watching closely to see how he handles facing top-tier competition and whether he can elevate his game under the spotlight.
The Dolphins’ Quarterback Situation: Why Backup Depth Matters
While the Dolphins have invested heavily in their starting quarterback position with Tua Tagovailoa, the team recognizes the importance of solidifying their depth at the quarterback position. In the NFL, having a capable backup quarterback is essential, especially when injuries or other unforeseen circumstances arise. The Dolphins learned this lesson firsthand in recent seasons, as Tagovailoa has faced injury concerns that left Miami vulnerable at the quarterback position.
In 2022, the Dolphins had to turn to backup quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson during different stretches of the season, and while both showed flashes of potential, neither proved to be a long-term answer should something happen to Tagovailoa. With the Dolphins looking to make a deep playoff run and possibly contend for a Super Bowl in the coming years, it’s crucial for them to have a reliable backup who can step in and keep the offense functioning at a high level.
While Tagovailoa has shown progress under head coach Mike McDaniel, his health remains a major question mark. The Dolphins cannot afford to have their Super Bowl aspirations dashed due to quarterback injuries, so having a strong backup option is a key part of their strategy moving forward.
Additionally, with the Dolphins being a team with playoff aspirations, a quarterback capable of stepping in and managing the offense in critical moments could make a significant difference in close games. Dart’s potential as a backup to Tagovailoa might be a direction the Dolphins explore if he impresses at the Senior Bowl.
What Jaxson Dart Could Bring to the Dolphins
Jaxson Dart’s skill set could fit well with what the Dolphins are looking for in a quarterback. Miami’s offense under Mike McDaniel has emphasized movement, improvisation, and the ability to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically. Dart’s mobility and arm strength make him an intriguing option in that context, as he has the tools to run a similar offensive system to what Miami uses with Tua Tagovailoa.
- Mobility and Escapability: Dart’s ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the move is a key asset. McDaniel’s offense thrives on creating opportunities for the quarterback to extend plays, and Dart’s agility could serve him well in this system. Whether it’s moving to avoid pressure or rolling out to make a throw on the run, Dart’s mobility would be an asset to the Dolphins, particularly in situations where the offensive line may not always provide perfect protection.
- Arm Strength and Deep Ball Ability: One of Dart’s most notable strengths is his arm strength. He can push the ball down the field with ease, making deep throws to wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both of whom are elite playmakers in the Dolphins’ offense. Dart has shown the ability to make explosive throws, which could complement the Dolphins’ vertical passing attack. His deep-ball accuracy and power give him the potential to be a perfect fit for an offense that relies on explosive plays.
- Development Potential: Dart is not a finished product. His time at Ole Miss has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistent play. If he were to join the Dolphins, he would benefit from the coaching staff’s ability to develop young quarterbacks, particularly under McDaniel, who has a reputation for working with quarterbacks and making the most of their abilities. Dart has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback, and Miami would be a good place for him to refine his skills.
- Understanding of a Modern Offense: Dart’s experience with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss has given him a strong foundation in modern offensive concepts, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be vital at the next level. Miami’s offense is predicated on quick throws, play-action, and mixing up tempo, and Dart’s experience with these elements in college will help him transition to the NFL smoothly.
How the Senior Bowl Could Impact Dart’s Stock
The Senior Bowl is a crucial opportunity for Jaxson Dart to prove his worth to NFL scouts and decision-makers, and it could significantly impact his draft stock. The Dolphins, along with many other teams, will be watching closely to evaluate Dart’s potential as a backup quarterback or future starter.
Dart’s performance at the Senior Bowl will provide insight into his ability to perform in an NFL-style offense, and how well he adjusts to the speed and competition of top-tier players. If Dart shows he can improve his consistency and decision-making while maintaining his physical tools, he could solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. A strong performance could vault Dart into the conversation as a potential third or fourth-round pick, which is a range where the Dolphins could be targeting quarterbacks to add depth.
Additionally, Dart’s ability to lead and manage the game under pressure will be a key factor in evaluating his readiness for the NFL. Scouts will be particularly focused on how he handles difficult situations, his poise under pressure, and his ability to lead the offense effectively. If Dart rises to the occasion and demonstrates that he can excel in these areas, the Dolphins may see him as a long-term developmental project that could be worth investing in.