Retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has showered praise on rookie starter Jaxson Dart, seeing franchise potential in the 2025 first-round pick.
During a recent sit-down with Research Ground, the two-time Super Bowl MVP highlighted Dart’s impressive debut season, in which he posted 15 touchdowns, just five interceptions, a 91.7 passer rating (tops among rookies), and 487 rushing yards with nine scores on the ground despite starting only 12 games.
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«I was impressed with Jaxson Dart all season long, just his ability to come in, to pick up the offense, to make plays, to scramble around to create plays,» Manning said. «As a young quarterback, he didn’t make many mistakes. He wasn’t forcing it into double coverage.»
Manning drew a notable comparison to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen.
«He kind of has that Josh Allen ability to run and make plays with his feet, which is amazing. But also make the throws on time when you need them,» Manning said.
While optimistic about Dart’s growth in the right system — improving reads, timing, and extending plays — Manning stressed durability as a key area for improvement, given Dart’s physical style and injury history, including a concussion that cost him two games.
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“If there’s anything you know he can improve on, it’s obviously finishing games and staying healthy,” Manning noted. “Make sure you’re available to play every week. That just comes with understanding this is a long season… You have to be out there.”
In separate comments, Manning urged Dart to learn when to slide or avoid big hits.
“Obviously, the number one thing is he’s got to learn to be available every week. He takes some hits,» Manning said. «You’ve got to learn when to slide, when to take the hits and do those things.”
Though Manning holds no formal role with the Giants, he remains willing to advise and expressed excitement for a potential quick turnaround with Dart, Malik Nabers, and others leading the offense.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Eli Manning: Giants QB Jaxson Dart ‘has that Josh Allen ability’
