Jaxson Dart’s Pre-Draft Visit with the Steelers: What It Means for His Future in the NFL
As the NFL Draft rapidly approaches, every team is finalizing their evaluations of potential draft picks, and for one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, Jaxson Dart, his meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers has sent ripples through the league. The talented quarterback from Ole Miss has been generating significant buzz after a stellar college career, and now, with a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Steelers, speculation about his future is reaching new heights.
Jaxson Dart: A Rising Star
Jaxson Dart’s journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback transferred to Ole Miss from USC, where he had shown flashes of potential but was not able to secure a starting role. Upon his arrival in Oxford, Mississippi, Dart quickly adapted to the fast pace of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive and high-profile football leagues in college football. His debut season with the Rebels in 2022 was solid, with Dart throwing for over 2,900 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. His ability to make throws from various platforms, coupled with his quick release and solid mechanics, earned him the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
While Dart showed that he had the arm strength and mobility to succeed at the next level, 2023 was the season where he truly began to showcase his potential. Dart’s leadership on the field and his performance in critical games helped Ole Miss to a solid record, further solidifying his place among the top quarterbacks eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. His 2023 stats include over 3,400 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions, improving both his decision-making and his overall consistency. As the NFL Draft draws near, Dart has emerged as a potential first-round talent, with the Steelers showing interest in making him their quarterback of the future.
Steelers’ Need for a Quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rich history of stability at the quarterback position, but the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger after the 2021 season left a void that is still being filled. The team has leaned on second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett to take the reins, but the development of Pickett has been inconsistent. Though there have been flashes of promise, there remains uncertainty about whether he is the long-term solution for Pittsburgh’s offense. With the 2024 NFL Draft presenting an opportunity to add another young quarterback, the Steelers may be looking to add competition or, in the best-case scenario, a potential starter.
Pittsburgh has never been a team that shies away from making bold moves if they believe it will benefit the franchise in the long term. Historically, the Steelers have been diligent in making sure their quarterback decisions are well-calculated, as evidenced by their drafting of Roethlisberger in 2004. The team recognizes the importance of getting the quarterback position right, and the decision to bring Jaxson Dart in for a pre-draft visit suggests they see something in the former Ole Miss signal-caller that could potentially help them take the next step in their evolution as a team.
Why Dart Makes Sense for the Steelers
Jaxson Dart’s skill set aligns with the traits Pittsburgh values in a quarterback. While Pickett is known for his toughness, mobility, and ability to make plays under pressure, Dart brings a different dynamic to the table with his raw arm strength and natural playmaking ability. He is capable of making all the throws required at the NFL level, including deep balls, intermediate passes, and short-range precision throws. This versatility in his game could make him a good fit for offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system, which thrives on balance and adaptability.
One of Dart’s standout qualities is his mobility. He is a natural athlete, capable of evading pressure in the pocket and extending plays with his legs. This could be a valuable asset for a Steelers offense that at times struggles to protect its quarterbacks and needs a player who can avoid sacks and keep the chains moving. His ability to improvise when plays break down would be crucial in the Steelers’ offense, where protection issues sometimes force quarterbacks to make quick decisions on the fly.
Moreover, Dart has demonstrated a strong ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, an important trait for any quarterback in the NFL. While some rookies struggle to adjust to the speed and complexity of professional defenses, Dart’s progression at Ole Miss suggests he could transition smoothly to the next level. His pre-draft visit with the Steelers will likely allow both parties to further assess his decision-making ability and mental preparedness for the rigors of the NFL.
The Importance of Pre-Draft Visits
Pre-draft visits play a critical role in the evaluation process for NFL teams. These visits are often the final opportunity for teams to meet with prospects face-to-face, assess their character, and test their understanding of the game. For a quarterback like Jaxson Dart, who has all the physical tools but still has some questions to answer in terms of consistency and mental processing, this meeting is especially important. The Steelers’ front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, will likely be keen to learn more about Dart’s leadership qualities, his ability to grasp offensive concepts quickly, and how he handles pressure situations.
For Dart, these visits provide a chance to make a strong impression on the team’s decision-makers. NFL teams, especially one as storied as the Steelers, place a heavy emphasis on a player’s attitude, work ethic, and how they approach their craft. Dart’s chance to speak with coaches, offensive coordinators, and the Steelers’ leadership will allow them to gauge his readiness for the next level, both mentally and emotionally.
What’s Next for Jaxson Dart?
As the NFL Draft approaches, Jaxson Dart’s future is now in the hands of the league’s scouts and general managers. His pre-draft visit with the Steelers is a crucial step in his journey toward being drafted, but it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Dart will likely continue to meet with other teams, participate in interviews, and prepare for the NFL Combine and pro day workouts, all of which will shape his draft stock. Whether or not the Steelers decide to select him remains to be seen, but the visit is a clear signal that they are taking a serious look at the former Ole Miss quarterback as a potential long-term answer at the position.
If Dart does end up with the Steelers, he could benefit from working behind Pickett, learning from the veteran leadership in Pittsburgh, and ultimately pushing for a starting role down the road. If the Steelers opt to look elsewhere, Dart’s impressive skill set ensures that he will not be waiting long before hearing his name called in the draft.
In any case, Jaxson Dart’s journey to the NFL is just beginning, and his pre-draft visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers has added another exciting chapter to his story.
