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Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants president John Mara (far left), general manager Joe Schoen (left), Jaxson Dart, and head coach Brian Daboll (right) pose for photos before the start of the press conference to introduce the Giants first round draft picks. Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Robert Griffin III Slams Giants Over Quarterback Decision

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Evan Orris | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Former NFL quarterback turned analyst Robert Griffin III is not a fan of the New York Giants' decision to move into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Such was his claim made on his X account, in which he bluntly stated, “The New York Giants have no idea what they are doing at QB. Signed Jameis Winston only to sign Russell Wilson to start over him and then drafted a Rookie QB who will get minimal reps in his redshirt year behind those 2.”

The New York Giants have no idea what they are doing at QB. Signed Jameis Winston only to sign Russell Wilson to start over him and then drafted a Rookie QB who will get minimal reps in his redshirt year behind those 2. Lord have mercy.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025

Griffin added that he is a fan of Dart’s, but he clearly believes that the Giants shouldn’t waste any time getting the rookie on the field.

Griffin’s reasoning does not make much sense. Many teams have drafted a quarterback-in-waiting to develop behind their franchise quarterback. The Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round in 2020. He sat behind Aaron Rodgers for two seasons before gaining the starting job.

The Kansas City Chiefs had the same plan when they traded up to the tenth overall selection in 2017 to pick Patrick Mahomes. After sitting behind Alex Smith for a season, Mahomes went on to win three Super Bowls with the team.

The Giants also did the same thing when they acquired Eli Manning in a draft-day trade. Manning sat for more than half a season behind Kurt Warner.

The difference is that Dart will not be the No. 2 quarterback. That will fall to Winston, leaving Dart as the potential emergency quarterback on game days.

Griffin added that by the time Dart is ready to step onto the field, there is a good chance that Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will be gone if they don’t win.

Because this coaching staff and front office might not have more than 8 games this year. They have to win now. That’s why they brought in Russell and Jameis. Jaxson won’t get the reps he needs to sit and learn in this situation.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025

The Giants traded their No. 34 overall pick, their No. 99 overall selection, and a 2025 third-round selection to get their Dart. Coming out of Ole Miss, Dart accrued 11,970 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions while completing 65.2% of his throws.

Last season, Dart earned first-team All-SEC honors for his efforts. He threw for 4,279 yards with 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also finished as the second-ranked draft-eligible quarterback with an overall PFF grade of 92.5 and a big-time throw rate of 7.1%.

With all due respect, I don’t think you’re looking at the big picture. The Giants let Eli sit for half a season to develop. KC let Mahomes sit for a season to develop. Would you rather a team throw a kid to the wolves before he’s ready like some teams have done? https://t.co/N6Hl3XwcDk
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) April 25, 2025

Dart was seen as a Day 2 prospect and was considered the third-best quarterback behind Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. However, he improved his stock throughout the combine and pre-draft process. Early in the mock draft season, Sanders was the favorite to be drafted by the Giants, but the Giants decided to go in another direction.

Heading into his rookie season, Dabboll told the media that Wilson would be the Day 1 starter. The plan will be for Dart to sit behind Wilson and Winston while continuing to develop.

When he’s ready, he’ll get his chance. Given that the Giants got him in the first round, they can gain an extra year with Dart, thanks to the fifth-year option in his contract.

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