49ers coaches make feelings on Giants' Jaxson Dart clear

The San Francisco 49ers could've shocked the NFL community by making quarterback Jaxson Dart the 11th overall selection of this year's draft. San Francisco instead grabbed defensive end Mykel Williams at pick No. 11, while Dart has emerged as a potential future star as a member of the New York Giants. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh addressed his defense having to go up against Dart and the Giants' offense this coming Sunday. 

Robert Saleh praises "uber-talented" Jaxson Dart

"He is uber talented," Saleh said about Dart, per the 49ers' website. "...I think New York hit on this one big time. He’s dynamic, he’s decisive, he’s accurate. He’s been a joy to watch just studying his tape over the last, what, five starts now? They’re doing a really good job with him. There are certain things they’re asking of him, but they’re doing a good job of hiding it within their weekly game plans."

According to Pro Football Reference, Dart will enter the first weekend of November ranked 14th in the NFL among qualified players with a 61.4 adjusted QBR. Per the StatMuse website, he's tied for 16th in the league with 12 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. That's impressive considering he only started five of the Giants' first eight games. 

"This kid, he’s going to be special," Saleh added about Dart. 

Klay Kubiak "loved" Jaxson Dart before 2025 NFL Draft

The 49ers signed quarterback Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265M contract extension that included $181M in guarantees and a no-trade clause in the closing days of May. Purdy has spent much of the ongoing season dealing with a toe issue, while Dart has Giants fans dreaming of what the 22-year-old could be for the organization. 

"I loved him," 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak added about Dart on Thursday. "He was a heck of a player and just a gamer. And you saw a guy who competed and who won a lot of games, and he’s just a playmaker at the position. And aside from the natural talent, you just loved how he competed and made plays. So not surprised at all that he is doing well. He is a heck of a player."

As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had the 5-3 Niners as 2.5-point favorites for this coming Sunday's game at the 2-6 Giants. Perhaps Dart will have members of the 49ers wondering what could have been if he guides Big Blue to an upset win in his third MetLife Stadium start.