Wyatt Miller

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is one of the most polarizing prospects because he has significant talent, but hasn't shown he can operate an NFL offense.

CBS Sportsand multiple ESPN mock drafts (fromMatt MillerandMel Kiper Jr.) have the Rams selecting Dart with pick No. 26 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Giving him time behind veteran gunslingerMatthew Staffordwould allow Dart to acclimate to a pro-style playbook and learn how to dissect a defense from one of the best in the game.

This is not an endorsement of Dart by the Rams, nor is it an indication that they are targeting him. This is simply a reflection of external media linking Dart to Los Angeles in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Here's a scouting report on Dart and what he could bring to the Rams' future offense:

Scouting Report

Dart threw for 4,279 yards, 29 TD throws and six interceptions last season, but only around 40% of his passes and 33% of his yards came on traditional dropbacks (no play-action, RPO or screen), according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

The consensus on Dart is that he has the physical tools (arm strength, varying arm slots, athleticism and accuracy) to become a solid NFL starter. However, he needs time to develop those traits within an NFL offense. Because of the gimmicky nature of Ole Miss' scheme, there is very little context for what Dart's processing would look like at the next level.

Still, there's no doubt that Dart can hit the bullseye.

Last season, his 77.7% adjusted completion percentage (which accounts for drops and discounts throw aways) ranked ninth in the FBS among draft-eligible quarterbacks, according to PFF, and he took risks in the process. Dart led the FBS in yards per attempt (10.8) and completions of 10 or more yards (74).

On throws between five and 25 yards downfield, Dart had the highest accuracy percentage and the fourth-lowest uncatchable accuracy rate in the FBS. On those passes, he "understood how to place balls in certain spots to help his receivers,"wrote Nick Akridge of PFF.

"Dart can hit receivers' strike zones on a rope, and his ability to throw on the run is fun to watch,"wrote Kiper Jr.

Dart throws a pretty and accurate deep ball, and his touch in the intermediate areas is well above-average for a young college quarterback. When he knows where to go with the ball, Dart can put it anywhere he wants.

"One of his best traits is his ability to throw off-speed and layer passes over defenders,"wrote Ted Nguyen of The Athletic. "The Mississippi offense is free flowing and routes aren't precise. Receivers are looking for space and adjusting their angles. Dart does a good job of seeing what his receivers see and leading them into open spaces."

When things break down, Dart "finishes like a running back" as a rusher,according to The Athletics Dane Brugler. His 45 scrambles for 384 yards ranked 10th and eighth in the FBS last season, respectively.

His biggest flaw as a passer in college was a tendency to abandon his fundamentals under pressure.Bleacher Report wrotethat his "mechanics and accuracy go awry" when defenders close in, and that's reflected in the stats. His adjusted completion percentage dropped to 59.7% when under pressure last season, and his pressure-to-sack ratio ranked 34th out of 56 draft-eligible quarterbacks.

"He will need to work with better anticipation and decisiveness to win in tight windows as a pro,"wrote NFL.coms Lance Zierlein.

Fit

Dart's similarities to Stafford make him a logical future replacement for the 16-year veteran.

They are quarterbacks with similar size and body type who have the capacity to throw accurately from multiple arm slots, something that has helped Stafford thrive in the Rams' offense. They are both accurate passers with solid arm strength who are willing to put their body on the line to make plays.

However, Dart's differences from Stafford could also prove additive for the Rams. His athleticism and willingness to run would give L.A. a dual-threat aspect to the offense, opening up different options for the scheme that haven't been possible under Stafford or Jared Goff.

"I love this pick because of the potential," wroteESPNs Mel Kiper Jr."Rams coach Sean McVay could develop Dart into a legit future starter."

The Rams have a complicated offensive scheme that requires quick processing and discipline, two things that Stafford prizes and Dart has room to improve on. Given time and adequate leadership, Dart has the tools to overcome the difficulties that NFL football presents.

"With Dart's developmental gap, getting drafted in the second or third round to a team with an established starter would be the best situation," Nguyen wrote. "After Cam Ward, Dart could have the highest ceiling of any quarterback in the draft, and he's only 21 years old."

The Rams could be a great fit, and Stafford an ideal mentor, for Dart.