The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft will feature several talented quarterbacks, including Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss Rebels player has refined his game over time and made it clear to the press who he draws inspiration from, setting aside both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
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“I think it’s a little bit of a cop-out because he just won the Super Bowl, but I love J Hurts and what he does,” Dart said via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, referring to Jalen Hurts. “I feel like I’m very similar in my play style to him. I feel like we can do a lot of the same things.
“Obviously, he’s an elite player and I’m trying to reach that level. But he’s been somebody that I’ve tried to resemble my game after just because of his versatility — being able to run and throw the ball, and just how strong he is in the pocket. That’s something that I’ve had a lot of fun watching, observing his play style.”
During his final season under Lane Kiffin, Dart had an outstanding performance, completing 69.3% of his throws for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions.
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after running for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According to recent projections, the former USC player is expected to be one of the high picks in the first round. In his position, there are also standout talents like Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Jalen Milroe, among others.
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Mahomes and Jackson, other role models at this position
Although Jaxson Dart stated in the press that his role model when it comes to mimicking movements and playing style is Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, there are several players in this position who share similar traits in this style.
In recent years, major arrivals at this position have come to the NFL, and interestingly, their playing style hasn’t been solely defined by a powerful arm, but also by utilizing mobility both inside and outside the pocket.
Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs, Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens, and even Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills, are some of the best examples of this new generation of quarterbacks who often choose to run the field and leverage their physical power to help their team.
Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hug following the Chiefs win at M&T Bank Stadium on September 28, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dart accepts taking a seat on the bench to gain experience
Taking a seat on the bench is not a familiar experience for Jaxson Dart. During his final years as a Rebels player, the talented quarterback started every game. However, in his pursuit of gaining experience, he has no hesitation about sitting on the bench in the NFL if asked.
“I’ve never sat on the bench before. So, that would definitely be an adjustment early on,” Dart said. “But I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I think it’s something that you can come into a situation and learn as much as you can. A lot of times when you’re in that situation, [you’re] playing behind a veteran quarterback who’s had a ton of success and just knows a ton about the game. So, you’ve got to be a sponge. And I think a lot of times, you’ve seen some of the most successful quarterbacks come out of situations like that. You can bring up Patrick Mahomes, as of late Jordan Love. And for me, I’m excited to just have the opportunity and compete wherever I go.
“I know I can make a room better, I can make a team better. So, I’m just going to be a sponge in any situation that I’m in — really, just try to take my game to the next level.”
