It's been nearly a month since that unforgettable NFL Draft, the one that will go down in history after Shedeur Sanders, a talent once projected as a first-rounder, slid all the way to Day 3, ultimately getting a chance from the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.
Following Cam Ward, Sanders was next in line among the favored quarterbacks expected to be selected early, but things didn't go that way. Instead, the New York Giants traded up at the end of the first round to pick Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has quickly become a source of excitement for fans in the Big Apple.
Despite the high hopes from the Giants organization, head coach Brian Daboll has made it clear that Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback, and general manager Joe Schoen has stated that Dart "has a lot to learn." Still, the rookie's opportunity may come sooner than expected.
Jaxson Dart could start in Week 7 against the Broncos
Reporters from outlets like CBS, NBC, and others covering the Giants have predicted that Jaxson Dart could make his first start in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.
To add to the buzz, former NFL quarterback and now elite QB coach Jordan Palmer believes Dart is an ideal fit for Daboll's system-just like when Daboll served as offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and developed Josh Allen.
"I genuinely feel like [Dart] is a great fit. I really like this marriage between Jaxson [Dart], Brian Daboll, and his coaching staff because I see a lot in Jaxson's game. I don't work directly with him, but I analyze the game differently. I evaluate every player in the draft. I do my own grading. I've been right a lot more than I've been wrong. And I was really high on Jaxson," Palmer said.
Dart has already impressed during rookie minicamp, but the real test will come once full training camp begins. One thing's for sure: at some point this season, the Giants will have to turn to Dart, because Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's jobs are on the line.
Another prediction for Dart's first start is Week 5, when the Giants face the Saints. Why? Because New York could easily start the season 0-4, with opening games against the Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs, and Chargers.