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Quarterbacks will steal the spotlight in the upcoming NFL Draft despite what many experts are calling a down year for the position. The Tennessee Titans appear locked in on Miami’s Cam Ward with the first overall pick following his impressive showing at Miami’s Pro Day last week.
The battle for QB2 is heating up — and there’s been a significant shift. While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has long been considered the second-best quarterback prospect, that perception is changing. ESPN NFL Draft guru Louis Riddick told USA Today’s Mike Freeman that Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart has leapfrogged Sanders on several teams’ draft boards.
Dart’s stock has skyrocketed thanks to his willingness to compete. He fully participated in NFL Combine workouts while Sanders took a different approach — skipping not only combine drills but also passing drills at the Shrine Bowl. This decision hasn’t played well with NFL teams, with NFL insider Josina Anderson reporting that one quarterback coach labeled Sanders as “brash and arrogant” during interviews.
Where exactly will Dart land? That’s the million-dollar question.
The New York Jets reportedly considered Dart with the seventh overall pick before doubling down on their commitment to Justin Fields as their starter. Meanwhile, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants — picking 2nd and 3rd overall — have spent “extensive time” with Dart ahead of his Pro Day workouts.
Sanders’ Stock Could Take a Hit
Dart’s rise couldn’t come at a worse time for Sanders. The Browns and Giants both desperately need quarterback help, but recent reports suggest Cleveland might target Penn State’s Abdul Carter while the Giants could select Sanders’ Colorado teammate Travis Hunter after signing veteran stopgaps in Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson.
If these QB-needy teams pass on Sanders early, his slide could be painful. They might instead wait on Dart in the early second round or trade back into the first round to select him — either scenario potentially leaving Sanders on the board longer than expected.
Some draft analysts believe the Giants could still pull the trigger on Sanders despite their veteran signings. Neither Winston nor Wilson represents a long-term solution, and New York might view the Colorado star as their franchise quarterback of the future — regardless of the recent narrative shift.
But if the Giants pass at No. 3, Sanders could face a significant wait. The Saints (9th) and Steelers (21st) are the only other teams in the first round with potential quarterback needs. Would either trade up for Sanders, or is a draft-night slide inevitable?
If Sanders does tumble down draft boards, Dart’s meteoric rise will be a primary factor — and it could cost Deion’s son millions in his rookie contract.
