Former QB shares bold NFL Draft prediction regarding Jaxson Dart

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart emerged from the NFL Scouting Combine as arguably the top rising star on draft boards. 

During a Thursday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky offered some bold takes regarding Dart's talent and when the prospect will be picked during the upcoming player-selection process. 

"I'm a Jaxson Dart guy," Orlovsky said during the segment, as shared by Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated. "I don't think he makes it out the top 10. ...Dude, at the end of the day, can you see it and can you throw it at that position? He sees it well, and he can throw it. Do you panic with the football in times of panic? Because that's the reality of that position in the league. He doesn't. Sometimes he gets it out, sometimes, just because of the athleticism, he gets himself out of bad and goes and creates good." 

Rumblings grew louder during the NFL owners meetings this week that both the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) could pass on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Assuming a majority of teams still have Sanders as the draft's QB2, he could end up going to the Las Vegas Raiders via the sixth choice. Sanders already has a relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, and some think Brady may not want to commit to starter Geno Smith long-term.

Orlovsky named the Raiders, New York Jets (No. 7) and New Orleans Saints (No. 9) as potential landing spots for Dart. People within the Jets reportedly are "enamored with Dart," and the club could part ways with Justin Fields as soon as next offseason. Meanwhile, many assume the Saints and Derek Carr are headed toward an inevitable breakup. 

"Dart would be neck-and-neck with Shedeur for me," Orlovsky added. For what it's worth, Orlovsky had Jayden Daniels and not Caleb Williams ranked as the best quarterback in last year's class. Daniels, of course, went on to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors en route to guiding the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.

"Scouts have concerns about how much [Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin's] offense prepares quarterbacks for the NFL," ESPN's Jordan Reid mentioned for a piece published Thursday. "Kiffin knows how to generate open space for receivers, with 34.2% of Dart's passes this past season being labeled as wide-open attempts (11th in the FBS). ...Can he continue to adapt to performing multistep progressions? He has shown progress during the predraft circuit. Dart's development will hinge on that continuing, along with how he adjusts to being in a huddle and relaying plays in that setting, which he wasn't asked to do at Ole Miss." 

In short, a team such as the Raiders, Jets or Saints could ultimately benefit by having Dart develop as a backup behind an established starter for even one season. Orlovsky seems to believe a club should at least consider taking Dart over Sanders on the night of April 24.